Bartholomaeus Spranger and his Late Wife Christina Muller
1600
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1600
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Bartholomaeus Spranger and his Late Wife Christina Muller is a 1600 ink by Aegidius Sadeler II, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This black-and-white print shows two people in fancy clothes, surrounded by swirling figures and symbols. The man on the left looks serious, holding a scroll, while the woman on the right sits in a decorative frame, resting her hand on a small child. Around them, tiny figures hold tools like a paintbrush, a hammer, and a scroll, all tangled in ornate designs. The background is packed with intricate patterns and Latin words. The woman’s frame has a clock face, hinting at time’s role in the scene. The tools and symbols suggest this isn’t just a portrait—it’s a story about art, life, and memory. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like this made detailed prints.
Aegidius Sadeler or Aegidius Sadeler II (1570–1629) was a Flemish engraver who was principally active at the Prague court of Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor and his successors.
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