The Duke
1526
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1526
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Duke is a 1526 ink by Hans Lützelburger, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This woodcut shows a group of people tangled in vines and branches, looking tangled and confused. In the background, there’s a building with a roof and some trees. The figures seem to be struggling, with one person holding a staff and another reaching out toward a child. The artist used sharp lines and simple shapes to tell a story without much detail. This style was common in woodcuts, where the image is carved into wood and then printed. Next, look up technique: woodcut.