Ornament with Sirens and Ornament with Genius

About this work

This print shows two tall, narrow scenes side by side. On the left, a winged woman with a shell-like headpiece stands holding a cross. The background is packed with swirling vines, leaves, and strange creatures. On the right, a smaller figure with wings and a crown stands on a cloud, surrounded by more twisting plants and a fish-like monster below. The artist used a special printing trick called *open bite* to add texture to the lines. This made the metal plate eat away unevenly, giving the print a rough, almost raised look. Next, check out the technique: etching to see how artists like Hopfer made prints like this.