Artwork

A Man with a Turban Leading a Woman Wearing Peacock Feathers

A Man with a Turban Leading a Woman Wearing Peacock Feathers, by Zacharias Dolendo, ink, 1596
A Man with a Turban Leading a Woman Wearing Peacock Feathers, by Zacharias Dolendo, ink, 1596

A Man with a Turban Leading a Woman Wearing Peacock Feathers is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Zacharias Dolendo. It dates from 1596 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

A Man with a Turban Leading a Woman Wearing Peacock Feathers is a 1596 engraving on laid paper by Zacharias Dolendo, a Dutch engraver known for his precise technique.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving portrays a turbaned man, dressed in a luxurious, fur-trimmed outfit and armed with a sword, leading a woman. She wears a peacock feather headdress, a long dress, and holds a fan, suggesting a scene of courtly or ceremonial nature, though the specific narrative or subjects remain unidentified.

Technique & Style

Dolendo's work showcases intricate lines, textures, and cross-hatching, achieving depth and realism. The detailed rendering of fabrics, feathers, and accessories reflects the Renaissance emphasis on realism and the artist's skill in capturing three-dimensionality on a two-dimensional medium.

History & Provenance

Created in 1596 by Zacharias Dolendo, who trained under Jacob De Ghein. Dolendo's works, including this piece, are identifiable by his cipher. His career was marked by a reputation for skill surpassing that of his brother, Bartholomeus.

Context

This engraving is characteristic of late 16th-century Dutch Renaissance art, emphasizing detail and realism. It aligns with the period's interest in portraying luxury, status, and potentially, mythological or allegorical themes, though the specific context of this scene is not clearly defined.

Legacy

While specific lasting impacts or direct influences of *A Man with a Turban Leading a Woman Wearing Peacock Feathers* are not widely documented, it contributes to the broader appreciation of Zacharias Dolendo's contribution to Dutch Renaissance printmaking and the evolution of engraving techniques during this period.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Zacharias Dolendo

Artist

Zacharias Dolendo

Zacharias Dolendo (1561–1601) was a Dutch engraver. He was the brother of Bartholomeus Dolendo, whom he surpassed both in style and in correctness. He was born at Leyden in 1561, and is said by Huber to have been a…

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