1500
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Hercules and Antaeus is a 1500 ink by Cristofano Robetta, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This black-and-white print shows two strong men struggling on rocky ground. One is on top, gripping the other’s head and shoulders. The man below is on his back, arms wrapped around the other’s waist. In the background, a ship sails on a wavy sea, and a small figure lies curled on the ground. The artist used fine lines to show muscle and movement, making the scene feel dynamic. The rocky ground and tangled bodies look almost three-dimensional. Next, check out engraving to see how artists create detailed prints like this.
Cristofano Robetta (1462 – 1535) was an Italian artist, goldsmith, and engraver. Robetta was a Florentine "who made some rich, intricate engravings in the fine manner". He often made engravings which replicated…
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