The Throne of Neptune from San Vitale in Ravenna
1544
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1544
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This engraving shows a crowned woman sitting on a shell throne. Two chubby cherubs hover beside her, one holding a trident. A sea monster swims below. The artist used fine lines to shade skin and fabric. Cross-hatching builds shadows so the figures pop against the blank background. This trick makes the print feel almost three-dimensional. Look at the flowing gown’s folds if you visit the National Gallery of Art, Washington.
