Consecration of an Eagle

About this work

This black-and-white print shows two figures standing near a decorated pedestal. The man on the left has curly hair, a beard, and no shirt. He’s holding a bird—maybe an eagle—while reaching toward a flame above the pedestal. The woman on the right wears a long dress and a headpiece, holding a scroll and gesturing toward the bird. The background has trees and clouds, and the whole scene looks like it’s carved into dark metal. The flame above the bird suggests something sacred or symbolic is happening. This isn’t a painting but a *niello* print, which means the artist etched the design into metal and filled it with black alloy for contrast. Look up technique: chiaroscuro next to see how artists used light and shadow in this era.