Fate of an Evil Tongue
1507
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
Artist
Nicoletto da Modena
Nicoletto da Modena (1490–1569) was an artist, born in Modena.
See the richer artist page1507
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Fate of an Evil Tongue is a 1507 ink by Nicoletto da Modena, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
Five small, naked figures stand around a large tongue lying on the ground. One figure holds a hammer and anvil, another raises a hammer, and two others pull branches from a tree. Behind them is a building with arches and a sign that reads *LINGVA PRAVORUM PERIBIT*. The background shows a distant city with a tower and trees. The scene looks like a punishment for gossip or lying—notice how the figures are attacking the tongue. The artist used fine lines to create shadows and texture, which makes the image detailed. Look up engraving to see how artists like this one carved images into metal.
Nicoletto da Modena (1490–1569) was an artist, born in Modena.
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