Lower portion of a scabbard
Original title: Lower portion of a scabbard
kurzbeschreibung
Unlike related prints, this 1645 etching by Wenceslaus Hollar does not show a whole weapon but only the lower end of an ornamented sword scabbard. A female figure framed by tendrils and decorative forms forms the focal point of the motif. Only this single state of the print is known.
Description
What appears is the lower section of a richly decorated scabbard. A stylized female figure with outstretched arms and legs sits at its middle, enclosed by leaves and scrolling vines. The ornament runs along the scabbard, which is shown at a slant, giving the image a sense of spatial depth. Against the black ground the delicate lines of the decoration stand out clearly. At the bottom there is a handwritten inscription.
Context
Hollar made this etching in 1645, during his years in England. He was known for his meticulous work, which often included ornamental and decorative subjects. The sheet survives in this one state only, and it displays the precision of detail that is characteristic of Hollar.
Impact
The print feels lively and at the same time elegant, thanks to the figure's animated pose and the delicate surrounding ornament. Where the black ground meets the pale lines, the etching gains a clear graphic presence. Overall the work gives off a quiet, decorative beauty.
Technique
The etching was printed on paper. Bold hatching and fine lines define Hollar's approach, which he carried out with great care. At the lower edge the sheet has been trimmed, so the format is somewhat smaller than it originally was.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)