The Four Elements
1588
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1588
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Four Elements is a 1588 ink by Jacob Matham, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This print shows four strong, naked people tangled in a rocky mess. One holds a big ball, another waves a plant, and a third clutches a snake. Their bodies twist and strain, like they’re fighting or pulling something heavy. The lines are sharp and dark, making everything look solid and rough. Notice how the artist used tiny crisscrossed lines to build up shadows and muscle. It’s not paint—this is a metal plate pressed into paper, called engraving. Want to see how this works? Look up engraving next.
