Who painted Title Page?

Title Page was painted by Melchior Küsel in 1681.

Where can I see Title Page?

Title Page is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Title Page?

Title Page is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Title Page

Melchior Küsel , 1681

Title 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 Title Page, presents a meticulously rendered fountain scene. Central to the composition is a large urn adorned with foliage and blossoms, from which water streams outward. Flanking the urn, two cherubic figures hold floral garlands, while a domed building recedes in the background, all executed in fine black‑and‑white line work.

Subject & Meaning

The image combines classical architectural elements with mythological motifs, typical of Baroque allegory. The urn and flowing water suggest abundance, while the cherubs and garlands evoke themes of celebration and divine favor, framing the architectural backdrop as a setting for harmonious natural and built environments.

Technique & Style

Küsel employs the etching process to achieve delicate line variation and tonal depth. Intricate hatching creates texture on the urn’s surface and the surrounding foliage, while cross‑hatching renders the water’s movement and the building’s architectural details, producing a sense of three‑dimensional space within the monochrome medium.

History & Provenance

Created in 1681, the print reflects Küsel’s activity within the late 17th‑century German printmaking tradition. Though specific ownership records are scarce, the work has been catalogued among his series of ornamental and architectural prints, illustrating his contribution to the dissemination of Baroque visual culture through reproducible media.

Context

The etching aligns with the broader Baroque fascination with dynamic composition, elaborate ornamentation, and the integration of sculpture-like figures into printed formats. Such works served both decorative purposes and as illustrative references for architects and designers seeking to incorporate classical motifs into contemporary projects.