Artwork
Ornament with Grotesque
Ornament with Grotesque is an ink print by the Baroque artist Master CR. It dates from 1616 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Ornament with Grotesque is a 1616 engraving by Master CR, characterized by a black-and-white design featuring intertwined organic and fantastical elements.
Subject & Meaning
At the center, within a circular frame, two figures are depicted near water: one holding a basket and the other a long pole, surrounded by a mix of realistic flora, birds, and invented, twisted forms, embodying the Baroque use of 'grotesques'.
Technique & Style
The engraving showcases fine lines carved into metal, exemplifying the technical precision of the medium. The composition blends naturalistic elements (vines, flowers, leaves, birds) with surreal, twisted shapes, typical of Baroque grotesque aesthetics, rooted in rediscovered ancient Roman decorative motifs.
History & Provenance
Created in 1616 by Master CR, the work reflects the Baroque period's fascination with rediscovered ancient Roman grotesque decorations, influencing the era's artistic motifs.
Context
The piece situates itself within the broader Baroque art movement, where the juxtaposition of the real and the invented was a common creative strategy, particularly inspired by ancient Roman decorative arts.
Legacy
While specific lasting impacts of 'Ornament with Grotesque' are not detailed, it contributes to the understanding and appreciation of Baroque engraving techniques and the evolution of grotesque motifs in early modern European art.
Artist & collection
