1495
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Coronation of the Virgin is a 1495 ink by Israhel van Meckenem, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This engraving shows a crowded scene of religious figures. At the center, two robed people stand out—one crowned, one holding a cross. Around them, angels with wings hold objects like globes and staffs. The background is packed with swirling drapery and small angel faces peeking from the edges. Notice how the artist uses fine lines to build up shadows and textures—this is a key trick of engraving. The figures look stiff but detailed, with heavy folds in their robes. Want to see how this technique works up close? Look up engraving.
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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