Artwork
Covered Goblet with Winged Ball

Covered Goblet with Winged Ball is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Altdorfer. It dates from 1522 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Covered Goblet with Winged Ball, created circa 1522, is an etching on laid paper attributed to Albrecht Altdorfer, a multifaceted Renaissance artist. This small-scale print exemplifies his detailed printmaking style.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a intricately designed goblet with a winged ball atop, reflecting Altdorfer's attention to detail and likely inspired by contemporary metalwork. The piece's meaning lies in its demonstration of the artist's technical skill and exploration of everyday objects as worthy subjects.
Technique & Style
Executed using etching techniques, the work features sharp lines, shading, and a textured background achieved through tiny cross-hatching. This method allowed for depth and intricacy, characteristic of Altdorfer's printmaking and influenced by his association with the Nuremberg Little Masters.
History & Provenance
Created in Regensburg around 1522, this etching is part of Altdorfer's output as a leading figure of the Danube School. While specific provenance details are not provided, its style and date place it within his broader exploration of independent landscape themes and detailed small-scale prints.
Context
Within the early 16th-century European art scene, this work reflects the Danube School's blend of thematic integration with landscape elements, albeit here focused on an object. It also aligns with the Nuremberg Little Masters' emphasis on intricate, small-format engravings and etchings.
Artist & collection
Artist
Albrecht Altdorfer (c. 1480 – 12 February 1538) was a German painter, engraver and architect of the Renaissance working in Regensburg. Along with Lucas Cranach the Elder and Wolf Huber he is regarded to be the main…



















