Ascending Ornament

About this work

This image shows a tall, skinny design packed with swirling vines, leaves, and tiny faces peeking from the branches. The center has a cross shape with a small plaque that reads "LAMBRECHT HOPFER." The whole thing looks like a tree with endless twigs and flowers, all drawn in sharp, dark lines. The artist’s name on the plaque is a clue this was made by Lambert Hopfer, who worked during the Renaissance. The tiny faces hidden in the leaves might be a nod to how artists played with hidden details back then. Next, check out etching to see how this kind of print was made.