Artwork

Ornament

Ornament, by Mathias Beutler, ink, 1602
Ornament, by Mathias Beutler, ink, 1602

Ornament is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Mathias Beutler. It dates from 1602 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Ornament is a 1602 engraving by Mathias Beutler, presenting three vertically stacked scenes within a single print.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving's scenes juxtapose everyday life and leisure: a boy feeding birds (with a curious cat), a man working with oxen and a cart, and a woman resting amidst gardening tools. These vignettes may symbolize the harmony between labor and leisure.

Technique & Style

Beutler employed fine lines and nuanced shading to achieve depth and texture. The natural elements, though simply rendered, convey a sense of vitality.

History & Provenance

Created in 1602, the engraving's provenance details are not provided in the available information.

Context

As an engraving, 'Ornament' reflects the technical capabilities of early 17th-century printmaking, inviting comparison with contemporaneous works in the medium.

Legacy

The engraving's impact or influence on subsequent artistic movements is not specified in the given context.

Artist & collection

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