Fantasy of an Antique Trophy to Augustus
1775
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1775
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Fantasy of an Antique Trophy to Augustus is a 1775 ink by Carl Schütz, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This image is a black-and-white etching of a wild, cluttered trophy scene. Broken columns, shields, and tools pile up in a chaotic heap, with a giant globe at the center. Two figures kneel at the bottom, holding up a shield with a carved scene, while a helmet and armor lie scattered around them. The background shows a building with steps and a window. The title hints this is a made-up scene, not a real place. The artist packed in symbols of power and history—like the globe and weapons—to make it feel grand and mysterious. Want to see more like this? Check out etching to learn how artists like Schütz created these detailed prints.
