1499
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Angry Wife is a 1499 ink by Israhel van Meckenem, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This engraving shows a chaotic scene with two struggling figures. One person is dressed in flowing robes, holding a staff, while the other wears armor and grabs a sword. A ram’s head with twisted horns looms above them, and a small dog lies on the ground nearby. The lines are sharp and detailed, creating deep shadows and texture. The artist used a technique called cross-hatching to build up dark areas with layered lines. This made the scene look dramatic and full of movement. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like this one carved images into metal plates.
Israhel van Meckenem (c. 1445 – 10 November 1503), also known as Israhel van Meckenem the Younger, was a German printmaker and goldsmith, perhaps of a Dutch family origin. He was the most prolific engraver of the…
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