Battus Transformed into Stone
1628
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1628
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This black-and-white print shows a quiet forest scene with two figures and a cow. One person is leading the cow by a rope, while the other leans against a tree, looking back. The trees are thick, with lots of branches and leaves, and the ground has a rocky stream running through it. The print uses shading to show depth, making the trees and figures stand out. The artist focused on nature and simple moments, not grand drama. Look up etching to see how this technique works.