Strapwork and Foliage Ornament on Dark Ground with Monkeys and other Animals
1538
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1538
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Strapwork and Foliage Ornament on Dark Ground with Monkeys and other Animals is a 1538 ink by Virgil Solis, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This image shows a busy black-and-white pattern with lots of swirling lines and shapes. There are monkeys, birds, and other animals hidden in the designs. The background is dark, and the lighter lines create frames, leaves, and strange geometric shapes. The tiny details—like the monkeys peeking from the foliage—make it feel lively. This is an old print, not a painting, made by pressing ink into metal. Next, look up engraving to see how this kind of print was made.
