Artwork preview

Reliquary with Pietà

Daniel Hopfer

National Gallery of Art

The artwork consists of detailed lines and intricate shapes arranged in an abstract composition. The shapes resemble floral patterns and human figures, with a central scene showing a group of people. Above the central figures, there are smaller angelic forms and decorative scrolls, forming a symmetrical structure topped with a figure holding a staff. The composition is framed with swirling leaves and abstract embellishments, reminiscent of a tapestry or decorative frieze showcasing a blend of reality and myth.

Artwork Details

Date
c. 1490-1536
Medium
etching (iron), plate bitten twice
Dimensions
3455 × 4961 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original