Artwork
Ornament with Female Demon
Ornament with Female Demon is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Sebald Beham. It dates from 1544 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Ornament with Female Demon is a 1544 engraving by Sebald Beham, a 16th-century German printmaker and painter. Characterized by intricate details within a compact frame, this work exemplifies Beham's later style, developed during his time in Frankfurt.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts a winged female figure, possibly supernatural, standing between two curled, serpentine creatures amidst a backdrop of dense, leafy patterns. Her calm demeanor contrasts with the hybrid human-animal elements, a Renaissance device for conveying symbolic ideas rather than literal representation.
Technique & Style
Beham employed engraving, carving lines into metal to achieve fine details and textures. The piece features sharp lines, thick shadows, and cross-hatching, showcasing his mastery of detail in small formats, a trait of the 'Little Masters' group he was associated with.
History & Provenance
Created in 1544, during Beham's later period in Frankfurt, this engraving is one of hundreds produced by the artist, alongside etchings and woodcuts, solidifying his reputation for intricate, small-scale prints.
Context
Within the broader Renaissance art context, the mixing of human and animal forms in 'Ornament with Female Demon' aligns with contemporary symbolic and allegorical representations, rather than realistic portrayals.
Legacy
As part of Beham's extensive oeuvre, 'Ornament with Female Demon' contributes to the legacy of the 'Little Masters,' influencing subsequent generations with its technical precision and thematic depth in small, intricate prints.
Artist & collection
Artist
Sebald Beham (1500–1550) was a German painter and printmaker, mainly known for his very small engravings.
