Artwork

The Vision of Ezekiel

The Vision of Ezekiel, by Giovanni Battista Fontana, ink, 1579
The Vision of Ezekiel, by Giovanni Battista Fontana, ink, 1579

The Vision of Ezekiel is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Giovanni Battista Fontana. It dates from 1579 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Vision of Ezekiel is a print created by Giovanni Battista Fontana in 1579, combining etching and engraving techniques on laid paper. It is a representative work of Fontana, an Italian artist trained in the Venetian tradition.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts the biblical prophet Ezekiel's vision, showing a dramatic scene with Ezekiel standing on a rocky hill, surrounded by figures on the ground and winged beings in the sky. The composition is rich in detail, conveying a sense of movement and narrative.

Technique & Style

Fontana's use of etching and engraving creates a highly detailed image with deep textures and dynamic lines, giving the scene a sense of depth and energy. The artist's skillful handling of line work brings the visionary scene to life.

History & Provenance

Fontana, born near Verona, worked in Austria from 1562, producing various artworks, including altarpieces and frescoes. He was appointed court artist in Innsbruck in 1575, where he likely created The Vision of Ezekiel in 1579.

Context

The print reflects Fontana's experience working on decorative projects, such as the chapel of Schloß Kaiser-Ebersdorf in Vienna, and his role as a court artist in Innsbruck, where he was influenced by the Venetian tradition.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Giovanni Battista Fontana

Artist

Giovanni Battista Fontana

Giovanni Battista Fontana (1524 – 25 September 1587) was an Italian painter and engraver.

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