Artwork
Letter L
Letter L is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Hans Lützelburger. It dates from 1523 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The print 'Letter L' is a woodcut created around 1523 by Hans Lützelburger, a skilled German blockcutter active in Augsburg from about 1516.
Subject & Meaning
The woodcut depicts a capital L in a Gothic font, with thick lines that morph into vines bearing leaves and berries, and a small face hidden within the letter's curves, creating a subtle, humorous detail.
Technique & Style
Lützelburger's expertise in cutting woodblocks is evident in the intricate design, characteristic of his meticulous work, as seen in his unfinished 'Dance of Death' series designed by Hans Holbein the Younger.
History & Provenance
Lützelburger did not design the image himself, but was renowned for his precise cutting skills, leaving behind 41 unfinished woodblocks for 'Dance of Death' at his death in 1526.
Artist & collection
Artist
Hans Lützelburger (died June 1526), also known as Hans Franck, was a German blockcutter ("formschneider") for woodcuts, regarded as one of the finest of his day.
