Artwork
Dagger Sheath with the Whore of Babylon
Dagger Sheath with the Whore of Babylon is a print by the Northern Renaissance artist Heinrich Aldegrever. It dates from 1532 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Dagger Sheath with the Whore of Babylon is a 1532 print by Heinrich Aldegrever, a German artist known for his small-scale works.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a naked woman, identified with the Whore of Babylon from the Book of Revelation, holding a scroll and standing above a chaotic scene of faces and animals emerging from a broken structure.
Technique & Style
Aldegrever's work is characterized by sharp, dark lines and extensive cross-hatching, used to convey shadows and texture, reflecting his skill as an engraver.
Context
As a member of the 'Little Masters' generation following Albrecht Dürer, Aldegrever's print reflects the artistic and symbolic concerns of early 16th-century German art, often blending religious themes with complex symbolism.
Artist & collection
Artist
Heinrich Aldegrever or Aldegraf was a German painter and engraver. He was one of the "Little Masters", the group of German artists making small old master prints in the generation after Albrecht Dürer.
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