Winged female figure, draped and carrying a staff, striding behind a winged putto, who twists to look over his left shoulder, a round composition
Original title: Winged female figure, draped and carrying a staff, striding behind a winged putto, who twists to look over his left shoulder, a round composition
kurzbeschreibung
A winged putto clutching a bundle of wheat glances back over his left shoulder while a winged woman with a staff strides behind him. This round print from around 1550–1600 is by an anonymous artist and is executed as an etching.
Description
A female figure with wings and flowing drapery holds a staff and moves forward. Ahead of her goes a winged putto who turns to the left and looks back over his left shoulder; in his hand he carries a bundle of wheat. Both figures stand at the heart of a circular, centered arrangement. Fine lines and hatching create tonal values in this monochrome print.
Context
In the second half of the sixteenth century, printmaking spread widely in Italy and northern Europe. The creator of this sheet cannot be identified with certainty, which is typical of much utilitarian graphic work of the period. The motif of the winged figure with a putto might be read allegorically or mythologically, perhaps as a personification of fertility or a season. The round format suggests use as a book illustration or an ornamental sheet.
Impact
The circular layout and the dynamic stepping motion of the figures give the sheet a lively, almost dance-like effect. Fine draughtsmanship and balanced composition radiate calm and harmony. The monochrome palette directs attention to gesture and to details of the garments and wings.
Technique
This work is an etching, an intaglio process in which the drawing is scratched into a wax layer on a metal plate and then etched. Fine lines and hatching produce the tonal values and the sculptural presence of the figures. The method allows precise reproduction of details such as the wheat ears and the folds of the drapery.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)