The Embrace
1503
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
1503
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Embrace is a 1503 ink by Master MZ, a Renaissance work, depicting Visitation, held at National Gallery of Art.
Two hands grip each other tightly on a dark background. Thin lines cover the paper like a net, creating shadows and depth. The fingers look bony, the grip firm. This is an engraving made in 1503. It’s small—just a sheet of paper about six inches tall. Most engravings show whole scenes, but this one hides in plain lines, all about the hands. Look up chiaroscuro to see how light and dark work together in prints.
