Plate from "Divers Trophées" (Weapon Trophies after the Façade of Palazzo Milesi in Rome) (1651, Met-Objekt 2292)
Original title: Plate from "Divers Trophées" (Weapon Trophies after the Façade of Palazzo Milesi in Rome)
kurzbeschreibung
In his 1651 engraving Polidoro da Caravaggio presents a symmetrically ordered sequence of weapons and trophies, derived from the facade decoration of the Palazzo Milesi in Rome. An ornate helmet anchors the middle, flanked by embellished shields, swords and other implements of war.
Description
A strict symmetry governs the layout, with a richly decorated helmet at its midst. To the left sits a large shield adorned with ornaments and bearing a face-like figure; on the right appear a shield with an eagle and a sword. Hints of columns and architectural elements fill the surrounding space. The print stays monochrome, and even light draws out the contours and particulars of each object. The style is Baroque, leaning on ornament and abundance of detail.
Context
This 1651 etching belongs to the series "Divers Trophées", engraved after designs by Polidoro da Caravaggio. Polidoro (c. 1499–1543) had created the original facade decorations of the Palazzo Milesi in Rome, which served as the model. The series appeared posthumously and carried Polidoro's ornamental motifs across Europe.
Impact
The symmetrical, richly detailed arrangement feels monumental and decorative at once. Precise lines and clear lighting make the weapons and trophies stand out in relief, giving the sheet an almost sculptural quality.
Technique
This copperplate engraving involves incising lines into a copper plate, which is then printed. Fine hatching and consistent linework allow great precision in reproducing the ornamental motifs.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)