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Print

1540 (published), ca. 1570 (printed)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This print by Hans Brosamer shows designs for two covered cups decorated in the simple early Renaissance moulded decoration and acanthus leaf ornament, which had come into use in Italy in the 15th century. The cup on the left is supported by an Atlas figure. The scrolling acanthus was a popular motif in ancient Rome, and was much copied by Renaissance artists. The use of the scrolling acanthus leaf was an essential part of the goldsmith’s skill from about the mid 17th century to the end of the 18th century. Ornament prints like these were copied by artisans working in different fields, and were responsible for spreading the influence of various decorative styles.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Woodcut on paper
Brief description
Print of a covered cup, woodcut, by Hans Brosamer, first published about 1540, Germany, this print made about 1570
Physical description
Print showing two covered cups decorated with Renaissance gadrooning and acanthus leaf ornament, woodcut. The cup on the left is supported by an Atlas figure.
Dimensions
  • Height: 17.1cm
  • Width: 18.2cm
Edges are uneven
Gallery label
The full text of the label is as follows: PRINTS: COVERED CUPS German, about 1570 Woodcuts by Hans Broasmer (about 1500-54), first published about 1540 These cups use the simple early Renassiance gadrooning and acanthus leaf ornament which had come into use about a hundred years earlier in Italy. E.234 & 5-1914 (Murray Bequest)"
Credit line
Murray Bequest
Object history
These cups use the simple early Renaissance gadrooning and acanthus leaf ornament which had come into use about a hundred years earlier in Italy.
Production
First published 1540, this copy printed ca.1570
Subjects depicted
Summary
This print by Hans Brosamer shows designs for two covered cups decorated in the simple early Renaissance moulded decoration and acanthus leaf ornament, which had come into use in Italy in the 15th century. The cup on the left is supported by an Atlas figure. The scrolling acanthus was a popular motif in ancient Rome, and was much copied by Renaissance artists. The use of the scrolling acanthus leaf was an essential part of the goldsmith’s skill from about the mid 17th century to the end of the 18th century. Ornament prints like these were copied by artisans working in different fields, and were responsible for spreading the influence of various decorative styles.
Collection
Accession number
E.234-1914

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Record createdJuly 14, 2005
Record URL
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