Fortitude
1520
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1520
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This engraving shows a woman standing in a niche, holding a rock in one hand and a pillar with the other. She’s dressed in a draped tunic with one shoulder bare, and her hair is pulled back. The background is plain, with just a hint of a curtain on the right. Her calm face and strong pose suggest she’s ready for a challenge. The lines on her body and clothes are made with tiny parallel marks, which create shadows and texture. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like this one made detailed prints.