Who painted Female Genius Holding a Coat of Arms?

Female Genius Holding a Coat of Arms was painted by Sebald Beham in 1535.

Where can I see Female Genius Holding a Coat of Arms?

Female Genius Holding a Coat of Arms is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Female Genius Holding a Coat of Arms?

Female Genius Holding a Coat of Arms is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Female Genius Holding a Coat of Arms

Sebald Beham , 1535

Female Genius Holding a Coat of Arms is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Sebald Beham. It dates from 1535 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Female Genius Holding a Coat of Arms is a 1535 engraving by Sebald Beham, a German artist known for intricate small prints. This work exemplifies his detailed craftsmanship.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts a solemn, traditionally attired female figure, identified as a 'Female Genius', holding a heraldic shield. The term 'Genius' suggests she embodies an abstract concept or locale, with the coat of arms being the central symbol of her significance. The shield's symbols and patterns would have held specific meaning for its contemporary audience.

Technique & Style

Characterized by meticulous detail, the engraving aligns with Beham's signature style, part of the oeuvre that earned him a place among the 'Little Masters' of 16th-century German printmaking.

History & Provenance

Created in 1535, the engraving was produced during Beham's active period in Nuremberg, before his relocation to Frankfurt. It is one of hundreds of prints (engravings, etchings, woodcuts) in his body of work.

Context

Thematically, the piece fits within the symbolic and decorative tendencies of Beham's graphic output, reflecting the allegorical interests of his time.

Legacy

Study of this engraving is contextualized within Beham's broader oeuvre, guiding understanding of 16th-century German printmaking techniques and thematic preoccupations.