Artwork preview

Ornament for Knife Handle

Theodor de Bry

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of an ornamented item with intricate details. The artwork depicts a narrow, elongated shield-like shape featuring an ornamental pattern. The central focus is an oval medallion containing the figure of a nude woman, draped loosely, set against a decorated background with a dotted pattern. Surrounding this central figure are elegant floral and scroll motifs, and two owls that add symmetry to the design. At the top, there appears a winged cherub head amid additional floral and scroll elements. At the base, the object tapers into a classical pedestal-like form.

Artwork Details

Medium
engraving
Dimensions
1527 × 4534 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette