Les divers pourtraicts et figures X
1600
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This engraving shows four muscular men in dramatic poses, each leaning on a pillar or column. They’re wrapped in flowing drapery, with one arm raised and the other resting on a tool—like a hammer or mallet. The background is dark, with swirling clouds or smoke above them, and their faces are turned slightly away. The lines are sharp and detailed, with heavy shading to show the muscles and folds in the fabric. This style was used to make the figures look powerful and dynamic. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like this used metal plates and acid to create such precise prints.
