Artwork
Handle for Knife or Fork, Ornamented with Figures
Handle for Knife or Fork, Ornamented with Figures is an ink print by the Baroque artist Hans Janssen. It dates from 1645 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Hans Janssen’s 1645 engraving titled *Handle for Knife or Fork, Ornamented with Figures* presents a slender, vertically oriented design intended for a cutlery handle. Executed entirely in black line work against a light ground, the print comprises three compact narrative scenes stacked one above the other, each framed by elaborate scrollwork and cloud‑like motifs that border the composition.
Subject & Meaning
Together, the three episodes may symbolize the progression from individual preparation to shared consumption and familial cohesion.
The upper vignette depicts an individual grasping a bowl, suggesting a domestic or ritual act of serving. The central panel shows a group gathered around a table, evoking a communal meal or banquet. The lowest scene portrays a familial grouping, perhaps indicating the continuity of household life. Together, the three episodes may symbolize the progression from individual preparation to shared consumption and familial cohesion.
Technique & Style
Janssen employs fine, sharply cut lines to render intricate figures and ornamental borders within a confined space. The engraving relies on cross‑hatching and varied line density to suggest shading and texture, achieving depth without any pigment. The dense arrangement of miniature figures and decorative elements reflects the meticulous draftsmanship characteristic of mid‑17th‑century Northern European printmaking.
History & Provenance
Created in 1645, the print is catalogued as a functional design for a knife or fork handle, illustrating the period’s practice of integrating decorative art into everyday objects. While specific ownership records are scarce, the work survives in several European print collections, indicating its circulation among artisans and collectors interested in ornamental designs for metalwork.
Artist & collection
