The Ark of the Covenant, from Book of Cartouches
Original title: The Ark of the Covenant, from Book of Cartouches
kurzbeschreibung
The Ark of the Covenant appears within an ornate Baroque frame in this mid-18th-century print by Johann Georg Hertel. Part of a cartouche series, the etching and engraving measures 30 × 19.8 cm and is a reverse copy, presenting the Ark as the central motif surrounded by angels and clouds.
Description
Angels and clouds play around an elaborate frame structure. At its center, a pedestal with an animal head emits bright light. The angels assume various poses—some carry flowers, others are in motion—creating a lively arrangement. Symmetry and clear organization bring the frame forward as a supporting element.
Context
Hertel worked as a German publisher and engraver in Augsburg during the 18th century. The 'Book of Cartouches' gathered decorative templates for artists and craftsmen. Such cartouches served as models for ornament in applied arts, including furniture, stucco, and engravings. The pairing of the Ark with an ornamental frame links religious iconography and decorative design.
Impact
Fine line work and carefully crafted details produce a splendid, solemn mood. The symmetrical layout and the contrast of light and shadow give the sheet a monumental impact that exceeds its modest size. At the same time, the motif feels decorative and devotional.
Technique
Etching and engraving are used here in a reverse copy, suggesting a mirror-image transfer of the source. Etched lines combine with engraved details for fine, precise linework. The print was made on paper and trimmed to 30 × 19.8 cm.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)