Artwork

Masquerade

Masquerade, by German 16th Century, ink, 1514
Masquerade, by German 16th Century, ink, 1514

Masquerade is an ink drawing by the Renaissance artist German 16th Century. It dates from 1514 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Masquerade is a drawing executed in pen and brown ink with watercolor on laid paper, depicting a vibrant scene of costumed figures.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing shows a crowd of elaborately dressed men and women, some holding masks, gloves, or other accessories, set against a backdrop of plain walls and a balcony with vacant chairs.

Technique & Style

The artist employed simple shapes and flat colors, eschewing deep shadows, and achieved a sense of energy through the poses of the figures, despite their somewhat stiff facial expressions.

Artist & collection

Portrait of German 16th Century

Artist

German 16th Century

A German artist from the late 1500s drew lively scenes of knights clashing in parades and mock battles.

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