Artwork
Two Couples and a Fool
Two Couples and a Fool 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
The engraving 'Two Couples and a Fool' is a small-scale work created by Sebald Beham in 1535. It exemplifies the artist's expertise in producing detailed miniature prints.
Subject & Meaning
The scene depicts four figures - two men and two women - seated on a low wall in a garden. One man holds a scroll, while another leans on a staff, and a woman gazes downward, wearing a loose dress.
Technique & Style
The engraving showcases Beham's use of cross-hatching, a technique where tiny parallel lines build up shadows, creating a textured, three-dimensional appearance on flat paper. Sharp lines and dark shading characterize the figures.
History & Provenance
Sebald Beham, a member of the 'Little Masters,' was a German painter and printmaker active in Nuremberg and later Frankfurt. He produced hundreds of engravings and woodcuts throughout his career.
Artist & collection
Artist
Sebald Beham (1500–1550) was a German painter and printmaker, mainly known for his very small engravings.
