Ornamental Panel (ca. 1514–36, Met-Objekt 5835)
Original title: Ornamental Panel
kurzbeschreibung
A richly decorated panel featuring mythological figures, cherubim, and plant ornament: this print is by Agostino Veneziano (Agostino dei Musi) and dates from around 1514–36. The engraving belongs to the tradition of Renaissance ornamental prints.
Description
A human figure sits at the center of the panel, surrounded by cherubim and other mythological beings in varied poses—some seated, others dancing or interacting. Vines, flowers, fruits, and other vegetative elements run through the image in intertwined patterns. Light figures stand out against a darker ground. An ornate frame surrounds the whole, and at the bottom is a small picture field with an inscription.
Context
Agostino Veneziano, an Italian Renaissance engraver, worked in the workshop of Marcantonio Raimondi. He became known for reproductive engravings and ornamental designs that circulated widely across Europe. The dating around 1514–36 covers his active years in Rome and Venice. Ornamental panels of this kind often served as models for craftsmen such as goldsmiths or intarsia workers.
Impact
Figures and ornaments crowd together densely, creating a lively, almost narrative effect that draws the eye into the details. The contrast between light figures and dark ground gives the print a sculptural depth characteristic of Renaissance printmaking.
Technique
Engraved into a copper plate and then printed—this is how the engraving is made. Fine lines and hatching allow precise reproduction of the ornamental details and figures. At 20.0 x 13.8 cm, it is a handy sheet intended for collectors or as a model.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)