1651
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Preacher is a 1651 ink by Wenceslaus Hollar, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This etching shows a busy scene with a preacher standing on a raised platform, gesturing toward a crowd. Skeletons and cherubs peek from the top and bottom borders, holding hourglasses, skulls, and musical instruments. The crowd below looks up, some kneeling, others standing, while figures on the sides watch from shadowy corners. The border frames the scene with tiny scenes of its own—children playing with skulls and hourglasses, hinting at life’s fleeting time. The Latin text at the bottom adds a layer of meaning, but it’s the mix of holy figures and death symbols that stands out. Want to see more? Check out the technique: etching.
Wenceslaus Hollar (Czech: Václav Hollar (Czech pronunciation: ), German: Wenzel Hollar; 23 July 1607 – 25 March 1677) was a Czech engraver, etcher and painter.
See the richer artist page
