Engraving
1528 (made), 1528 (Printed)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This 16th-century ornament print by Lucas Hugensz van Leyden shows an asymmetrical design in the grotesque style. 'Grotesque' derives from the Italian word grottesco. The style was inspired by ancient Roman designs discovered at the end of the 15th century in the underground rooms, or grottoes, of the Golden House of Emperor Nero in Rome.
Grotesque ornament was used to decorate a wide range of objects, such as ceramics, and the style was much copied by Renaissance artists. The two sphinx-like figures are particularly ornate, with female heads, wings, hooves and the bodies of snakes.
Grotesque ornament was used to decorate a wide range of objects, such as ceramics, and the style was much copied by Renaissance artists. The two sphinx-like figures are particularly ornate, with female heads, wings, hooves and the bodies of snakes.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Engraving |
| Brief description | Lucas Hugensz van Leyden. Ornament with two sphinxes and a winged man. Dutch, 1528. |
| Physical description | Engraving |
| Dimensions |
|
| Marks and inscriptions | Signed and dated '1528 / L' in the centre of the plate. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This 16th-century ornament print by Lucas Hugensz van Leyden shows an asymmetrical design in the grotesque style. 'Grotesque' derives from the Italian word grottesco. The style was inspired by ancient Roman designs discovered at the end of the 15th century in the underground rooms, or grottoes, of the Golden House of Emperor Nero in Rome. Grotesque ornament was used to decorate a wide range of objects, such as ceramics, and the style was much copied by Renaissance artists. The two sphinx-like figures are particularly ornate, with female heads, wings, hooves and the bodies of snakes. |
| Bibliographic reference | Hollstein, F. W. H., et al. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700 (Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, 1968): vol. X, p.182. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 28611A |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | December 1, 2005 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
