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 intricate border enclosing a central scene, executed in sharp, dark lines that impart a detailed, somewhat ominous quality.
Subject & Meaning
At its core, the engraving features a robed figure beside a lake with a castle backdrop, surrounded by a border of swirling vines and grotesque, hybrid animal faces (notably lion-human combinations), blending the natural with the bizarre.
Technique & Style
The work showcases Master CR's mastery of engraving through the use of tiny, layered lines to achieve textured shadows, emphasizing depth and intricacy throughout both the central image and the ornate border.
History & Provenance
Created in 1616, specific details regarding the engraving's historical context, ownership history, or exhibition record are not provided in the available information.
Context
Emerging in 1616, this piece reflects the Baroque era's fascination with intricate details and the grotesque, a style that often blended beauty with the unsettling, common in decorative arts of the time.
Legacy
While direct influences or notable recognitions of 'Ornament with Grotesque' are not specified, it contributes to the broader understanding of 17th-century engraving techniques and the aesthetic preferences of its era.
Artist & collection
