Artwork
New ABC Booklet: D
New ABC Booklet: D is a print by the Baroque artist Lucas Kilian. It dates from 1627 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
New ABC Booklet: D is a 1627 engraving by Lucas Kilian, a German artist from Augsburg. It is one part of an alphabet series, visually representing the letter 'D'.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts a man in antiquated attire standing on a platform, holding a staff and hat, with a bucket nearby. The composition likely illustrates a mnemonic device for learning the letter 'D', common in early modern education.
Technique & Style
The work showcases Kilian's technical precision and the craftsmanship characteristic of Augsburg engravers in the early 17th century. Intricate, swirling patterns resembling vines and flowers frame the figure, reflecting the decorative flair of the period.
History & Provenance
Created in 1627, the engraving was produced through the Custos workshop in Augsburg, where Kilian primarily worked on various subjects including portraits and anatomical illustrations.
Context
As part of an alphabet book, 'New ABC Booklet: D' exemplifies the pedagogical approach of teaching letters through illustrative associations, popular during the era.
Legacy
The piece is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, where similar prints can be viewed, offering insight into 17th-century German engraving techniques and educational practices.
Artist & collection
Artist
Lucas Kilian (Lucas Kilianus Augustanus; 1579–1637) was a German engraver and etcher from the Kilian family of engravers in Augsburg.
