1603
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Rudolph II is a 1603 ink by Aegidius Sadeler II, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This print shows a serious-looking man in armor at the center, surrounded by a fancy oval frame. Around him, four figures pose dramatically—two women holding scrolls and two cherubs with musical instruments. The background is packed with swirling clouds, weapons, and intricate designs, all carved into the dark paper. The man’s portrait sits above a banner with Latin words, and the whole scene feels busy and grand. The artist used sharp lines and shadows to create depth, a trick called *engraving*. Check out 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.
See the richer artist pageYour cart is empty
Explore artworks →
