Fountain with Statue of Neptune
1482
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1482
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This engraving shows Neptune standing on a fancy fountain with water spouting around him. The lines are sharp and detailed, making the muscles and folds of fabric look real. You can see his trident and a ship in the background. This is one of Andrea Zoan’s few surviving prints. He worked in Venice when engraving was new there. The cross-hatching makes shadows feel deep, even on flat paper. Try looking up engraving next.
