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Ornament

Master AD

1564

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Renaissance Renaissance Playing Card

Dominant colour

Ornament is a 1564 ink by Master AD, a Renaissance work, depicting Playing Card, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Master AD
When & what style?: 1564 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This engraving shows intricate patterns—scrolls, flowers, animals—all tangled in fine lines. It’s not just decoration. The artist used cross-hatching to create shadows and depth in the tiniest curls. This was rare for its time. Look closely. The detail in the foliage makes it feel almost alive. That’s the genius here. Next, check out the work of Albrecht Dürer for similar engraving skill.