Ornamental Panel (ca. 1514–36, Met-Objekt 5827)
Original title: Ornamental Panel
kurzbeschreibung
A dense interlace of mythological figures, putti, and floral ornament defines this symmetrically arranged ornament panel. The engraving is by Agostino Veneziano (Agostino dei Musi) and dates from around 1514–36.
Description
A barefoot figure sits at the center of the panel, surrounded by numerous cherubs and other mythological beings. Some sit, others dance or hover. Between the figures, complex floral and animal ornaments spread out. The lines look sharp and clear; deep shadows and bright highlights give the figures a sculptural presence.
Context
Agostino Veneziano, an Italian Renaissance engraver, worked in the workshops of Marcantonio Raimondi. Ornament engravings like this one were sought-after collector's items in the sixteenth century and served craftsmen and artists as models. The dating around 1514–36 covers his period of activity in Rome and Florence.
Impact
The dense arrangement has an almost hypnotic effect and invites close study of the details. Precise lines and the clear contrast of light and shadow lend the sheet a noble, ornamental elegance.
Technique
For this engraving, the lines were incised into a metal plate and then printed on paper. The process allows fine, even lines and a high level of detail, as is characteristic of Renaissance printmaking.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)