Artwork

Wall Monument with an Armillary Sphere [verso]

Wall Monument with an Armillary Sphere [verso], by German 16th Century, ink, 1571
Wall Monument with an Armillary Sphere [verso], by German 16th Century, ink, 1571

Wall Monument with an Armillary Sphere [verso] is an ink drawing by the Renaissance artist German 16th Century. It dates from 1571 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. This drawing depicts a wall monument featuring an armillary sphere atop a tomb structure.

About this work

It has three dark window-like shapes and a small plaque above them with numbers.

This sketch shows a fancy tomb built into a wall. It has three dark window-like shapes and a small plaque above them with numbers. On top sits a round object with lines—like a globe with circles on it. A person is drawn climbing up the side, holding a shovel.

The numbers on the plaque might mean the year 1571. The tomb looks like a small building with curved edges and decorative swirls.

If you like this style, check out the Renaissance movement next.

Overview

This drawing depicts a wall monument featuring an armillary sphere atop a tomb structure. Executed in pen and brown ink with brown wash on laid paper, it showcases a blend of architectural and symbolic elements.

Subject & Meaning

The monument includes a plaque with the date 1571 and a figure climbing the structure with a shovel. The armillary sphere, a representation of celestial bodies, sits above the tomb, suggesting a connection between the deceased and the cosmos.

Technique & Style

The use of pen and brown ink with brown wash creates a detailed and textured representation of the monument. The style is characteristic of Renaissance drawing techniques, with attention to architectural detail and figurative representation.

Context

The drawing's style and subject matter are consistent with Renaissance art, which often featured classical architectural elements and symbolic motifs.

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.