Goblet with lid surmounted by a Roman soldier
1579
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1579
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This drawing shows a tall, fancy goblet with a lid. On top of the lid stands a small figure of a soldier holding a spear. The goblet itself is covered in swirling patterns—leaves, flowers, and strange faces peek out from the design. The base has the letters "G W" carved into it, and there are two small floral decorations on either side. The soldier figure looks like it’s inspired by ancient Roman styles, which were popular during this time. The whole piece is packed with tiny details, making it look almost three-dimensional. If you like this kind of intricate design, look up engraving to see how artists create these precise lines.