Border Illustration with Putti Harvesting Offerings to God
1613
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1613
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This print shows a blank frame with two cherubs at the top holding a glowing cup and bread. Below, two chubby children work in a field—one cuts wheat, the other pours grapes into a bowl. The sides of the frame twist into vines and wheat stalks, with tiny tools and baskets tucked in. The empty center might seem odd, but it’s meant to hold something sacred. The cherubs’ cup and bread hint at a religious meaning, likely tied to the Eucharist. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like this carved detailed images into metal.
