Artwork
Woman Carrying a Tray
Woman Carrying a Tray is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Master F.P.. It dates from 1528 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Woman Carrying a Tray is an etching on blue paper executed in 1528 by the artist known as Master F.P. The work presents a single figure—a woman—balanced on her head with a tray, rendered in crisp, dark lines that contrast sharply with the colored support. The composition captures a moment of physical effort, emphasizing posture and detail.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts a woman bent forward, her back arched as she steadies a heavy tray perched atop her head. Her arms are extended outward, fingers gripping the tray’s edges, while the folds of her clothing convey tension. The scene suggests a domestic or ceremonial task, highlighting the labor involved in carrying burdens.
Technique & Style
Created through traditional etching, the artist incised fine lines into a metal plate before applying ink and pressing the image onto blue paper. The choice of a colored ground intensifies the visual impact of the black lines, allowing intricate textures—such as fabric folds and muscular strain—to be rendered with precision.
History & Provenance
The print dates to 1528 and bears the signature of Master F.P., a figure active in early 16th‑century printmaking. While specific ownership records are limited, the work exemplifies the period’s interest in everyday subjects rendered with technical exactitude, and it has been cited in studies of early etching practices.
Artist & collection
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