Ornament
1540
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1540
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This engraving shows swirling lines and shapes that fill the page. It looks like a page from a fancy pattern book. The lines twist into hearts, vines, and scrolls. This kind of work was made for goldsmiths and decorators. They copied patterns like these to stamp designs onto metal or fabric. It’s not just pretty—it’s practical. Try looking up engraving next.