Artwork

View in Istria

View in Istria, by Melchior Küsel, ink, 1681
View in Istria, by Melchior Küsel, ink, 1681

View in Istria 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

View in Istria is a 1681 etching by Melchior Küsel, depicting a rugged, rocky landscape in the Istrian region of Europe.

Subject & Meaning

The print captures a dramatic, untamed scene with steep cliffs, twisted trees, a solitary boat, and a lone figure on a rock, evoking a sense of wilderness and isolation.

Technique & Style

Executed in black-and-white etching, the work showcases meticulous texturing of geological and organic forms, characteristic of 17th-century detailed outdoor scene prints.

History & Provenance

Created in 1681 by Melchior Küsel, the etching's provenance is not detailed here, though its title references a specific European location.

Context

This type of meticulously rendered outdoor scenery was popular during the 1600s, with etching being a favored medium for such works.

Legacy

While specific influence or notable exhibitions are not highlighted, the piece represents a typical example of 17th-century etching practices in landscape depiction.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Melchior Küsel

Artist

Melchior Küsel

Melchior Küsel (1626–1684) was an artist, born in Augsburg.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.