Genius with Alphabet

Sebald Beham

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a winged figure with scrolling ribbons bearing letters. The image depicts a cherubic winged figure from the back, holding onto swirling ribbons that float through the air. The ribbons are inscribed with letters of the alphabet, intricately wrapped around the figure. The background is richly textured with lines. The figure appears dynamically posed with detailing in the feathers of the wings and curls of the hair. The letters on the ribbons are written in a classic serif style.