Melchior Ayrer, Philosopher and Doctor
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 in a dark, fur-lined robe. His hands rest on a book, and he wears a black hat and a chain around his neck. The background is plain, with a small coat of arms in the top left corner. The text at the top names him Melchior Ayrer, calling him a doctor and philosopher. His outfit and the book suggest he was someone important, maybe a scholar or teacher. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like this made detailed prints.