Artwork
Cardinal
Cardinal is an ink print by the Baroque artist Wenceslaus Hollar. It dates from 1651 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Cardinal is a 1651 etching by Wenceslaus Hollar, a Czech-born artist who worked primarily in England. The print features a complex scene surrounded by a decorative border titled Minerva and Hercules.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts three figures in a dramatic scene: a man pointing at a skull, a kneeling boy, and a richly dressed woman. The background and border are filled with symbolic objects, including skulls, tools, and mythological creatures, suggesting a narrative with layered meaning.
Technique & Style
Hollar's work is characterized by precision and attention to detail, typical of his graphic output. The print's intricate composition and symbolic elements are rendered in a black-and-white medium, showcasing Hollar's skill as an etcher.
Artist & collection
Artist
Wenceslaus Hollar (Czech: Václav Hollar (Czech pronunciation: ), German: Wenzel Hollar; 23 July 1607 – 25 March 1677) was a Czech engraver, etcher and painter.
