Artwork
An Angel Supporting Two Escutcheons
An Angel Supporting Two Escutcheons is a drawing by the Renaissance artist Nikolaus Gerhaert von Leyden. It dates from 1470 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1962.205
- Credit line
- Dudley P. Allen and Delia E. Holden Funds
About this work
Overview
An Angel Supporting Two Escutcheons is a drawing by Nikolaus Gerhaert von Leyden, created around 1470. It is a representative work of the artist, currently held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts an angel kneeling on a cloud, supporting two empty shields. The angel is characterized by its wings, halo, and flowing robe, conveying a sense of weight and effort despite the shields being blank.
Technique & Style
The drawing features loose, sketchy lines and shading that highlights the folds in the angel's fabric, demonstrating a characteristic style of the period.
Context
Drawings like this were often preparatory studies for larger artworks, such as paintings or sculptures, indicating the artist's process and planning.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Nikolaus Gerhaert, also known as Nikolaus Gerhaert van Leyden, was a Dutch sculptor, although aside from the works attributed to him, few details are known of his life. He worked in both stone and wood.
