Ornate goblet on feet of masks (1645, Met-Objekt 2131)
Original title: Ornate goblet on feet of masks
kurzbeschreibung
A richly ornamented goblet supported by a base of mask figures is the focus of this 1645 etching by Wenceslaus Hollar. Floral and geometric patterns cover the bowl, and on its rim sits a crowned female figure with a sash. Only one state of this print exists.
Description
On the rim of the bowl stands a small crowned female figure, a sash over her shoulder, on a decorated pedestal. Below rises a tall goblet whose bowl is covered with complex floral and geometric ornament. The base ends in three mask figures that serve as feet. The plain background makes the main motif stand out, while the gray tones of the etching give even lighting without harsh shadows.
Context
In 1645 Wenceslaus Hollar was working in England for the art collector Thomas Howard, Earl of Arundel. Hollar was known for his detailed prints, with which he often reproduced artworks and antiquities. The exact model for this goblet is not clearly established; comparable goldsmith work was, however, prized in Baroque court art.
Impact
Delicate lines and a symmetrical arrangement make the goblet appear monumental. Fine shading gives the motif an almost three-dimensional effect, even though it lies flat on the paper.
Technique
In etching, lines are incised into a metal plate that has been bitten with acid. Hollar used fine, dense hatching to bring out the ornamental details and shading—typical of his printmaking technique.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)