Who painted Dedication Page?

Dedication Page was painted by Melchior Küsel in 1681.

Where can I see Dedication Page?

Dedication Page is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Dedication Page?

Dedication Page is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Dedication Page

Melchior Küsel , 1681

Dedication Page is an ink print by the Baroque artist Melchior Küsel. It dates from 1681 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Melchior Küsel’s 1681 etching titled Dedication Page presents a densely populated composition that combines allegorical figures, heraldic devices, and fantastical creatures. The print is dominated by a winged angel bearing a banner, a central shield adorned with a crest, and a surrounding crowd that includes mermaids, a bearded man, and various attendants, all set against a cloudy sky and a hint of water at the lower edge.

Subject & Meaning

The work appears to function as a commemorative or dedicatory image, employing religious and heraldic symbolism to convey honor and patronage. The angelic figure suggests divine approval, while the shield and crest reference lineage or institutional identity. The inclusion of mythic beings such as mermaids adds a layer of allegorical richness, typical of Baroque visual rhetoric.

Technique & Style

Executed in the etching medium, Küsel achieves fine line work that renders intricate textures—from the delicate folds of garments to the scaled surfaces of the sea creatures. The high level of detail and the dynamic arrangement of elements reflect the Baroque penchant for complexity and visual abundance, inviting the viewer’s eye to wander across the crowded tableau.

History & Provenance

Created in 1681, the print belongs to the late 17th‑century output of German printmaker Melchior Küsel, who was active in Augsburg. While specific ownership records are scarce, the piece exemplifies the period’s practice of producing elaborate dedication pages for books or patronage commissions, situating it within the broader network of Baroque print culture.