Ornament with a Child on the Back of a Sphinx

Heinrich Aldegrever

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of an ornamental design. The illustration features a vertical arrangement of foliage, creatures, and cherubic figures intertwined with botanical elements. The design is decorative, with movement created by the curling leaves and stems. Imaginary creatures with leonine heads and human-like features are integrated into the foliage. The figures interact with the floral patterns. The drawing shows shading and line work with a contrast between the foreground and background. Nature-inspired motifs and mythical beings are depicted in a classical style of ornamentation.