Ascending Ornament

Lambert Hopfer

National Gallery of Art

The image displays swirling, symmetrical shapes and lines woven together to form an abstract composition. The lines resemble leaves and vines, creating an impression of ornate foliage. Faces resembling cherubs or mythical figures are interspersed within the design, with some heads crowned by leaves or tendrils. The arrangement suggests movement, as if the shapes are billowing like smoke or steam, evoking classical art found in decorative architecture.