Artwork

"You Are Tying a Dolphin by the Tail" [fol. 17 recto]

"You Are Tying a Dolphin by the Tail" [fol. 17 recto], by French early 16th Century, ink, 1514
"You Are Tying a Dolphin by the Tail" [fol. 17 recto], by French early 16th Century, ink, 1514

"You Are Tying a Dolphin by the Tail" [fol. 17 recto] is an ink drawing by the Renaissance artist French early 16th Century. It dates from 1514 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. You Are Tying a Dolphin by the Tail (fol.

About this work

Overview

You Are Tying a Dolphin by the Tail (fol. 17 recto) is a Renaissance-era drawing executed in pen and black ink on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

This allegorical drawing conveys a symbolic message, typical of Renaissance artistic practices. The specific narrative or moral implied by the act of 'tying a dolphin by the tail' is not explicitly stated in the provided information, suggesting the interpretation relies on the viewer's understanding of Renaissance allegorical conventions.

Technique & Style

The drawing showcases a restrained yet expressive use of pen and black ink, characteristic of Renaissance draftsmanship. The medium and technique emphasize linearity and contrast, focusing attention on the allegorical subject.

History & Provenance

Created during the Renaissance, a period of significant cultural and artistic transformation in Europe. Specific details regarding the artist, exact date, or ownership history are not provided.

Context

Emerges from the Renaissance's rich tradition of allegorical art, where symbols and metaphors were used to convey complex ideas or morals. Understanding the piece fully would require contextual knowledge of contemporary allegorical themes.

Legacy

The lasting impact or influence of 'You Are Tying a Dolphin by the Tail' on subsequent art or allegorical practices is not detailed in the provided information.

Artist & collection

Portrait of French early 16th Century

Artist

French early 16th Century

A French draftsman from the early 1500s filled sheets of laid paper with tiny, sharp-tongued instructions—ink sketches paired with warnings like “Do Not Eat Your Heart Out” or “Feed Not Things That Have Sharp Claws.”…

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