John Calvin
1850
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1850
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This black-and-white engraving shows a serious-looking man with a long beard and dark robes. He’s holding an open book in one hand while pointing upward with the other, as if making a point. The background is plain, so all the focus stays on his face and gesture. The text at the top calls him *Johannes Calvin*, and the Latin words below sound like a poem or prayer. The artist used fine lines and shading to give his face depth, almost like a sketch. Next, look up engraving to see how artists create these detailed prints with just a burin and ink.
