Handle for Knife or Fork, Ornamented with Figures
1645
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
1645
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Handle for Knife or Fork, Ornamented with Figures is a 1645 ink by Hans Janssen, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This is a long, narrow engraving shaped like a knife handle. At the top, there’s a swirling scroll with a small lion and a crown. Below that, two scenes show people in fancy clothes—one group looks serious, the other has a woman holding a scale. The background has ornate patterns and little symbols, like a book and a bird. The artist signed it "H. Janssen Fecit," which means "Hans Janssen made this." The whole thing looks like it’s telling a story, but it’s not a normal picture—it’s decorated metal. If you like this style, check out engraving.
