The Master's Carpet
1812
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1812
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This engraving shows a busy scene packed with symbols. At the center sits a woman in a temple-like room, holding a staff and standing on a checkerboard floor. Around her are tools like a compass, scales, and a beehive, plus two globes on tall columns. Above, a giant eye beams down, while angels and clouds fill the sky. The whole thing looks like a mix of science, religion, and old-fashioned craftsmanship. The title, *The Master’s Carpet*, hints this might be about hidden knowledge or secret meanings—like a puzzle. The checkerboard floor and tools suggest ideas of balance, measurement, and skill. If this style of detailed linework interests you, look up engraving.
