Artwork

Arabesque with a Tightrope Walker

Arabesque with a Tightrope Walker, by Anne Allen, ink
Arabesque with a Tightrope Walker, by Anne Allen, ink

Arabesque with a Tightrope Walker is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Anne Allen. It is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Arabesque with a Tightrope Walker is an etching created by Anne Allen around 1795. The print showcases a vibrant scene with intricate details and a range of colors.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts a tightrope walker in a bright costume balancing on a wire, set against a backdrop of ornate trees and buildings adorned with ribbons, flowers, and ornaments. The scene is characterized by swirling lines and shapes, evoking a sense of liveliness and fantasy.

Technique & Style

The etching is printed à la poupée, a technique allowing for multiple colors to be applied in a single pass through the press. The resulting image features delicate, densely packed lines and a soft color palette, including blues, greens, pinks, and golds, which combine to create a dreamy atmosphere.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Anne Allen

Artist

Anne Allen

Anne Allen (1749–1770) was a British artist, born in United Kingdom.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.