Artwork
The Angry Wife
The Angry Wife is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Israhel van Meckenem. It dates from 1499 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Angry Wife is an engraving created by Israhel van Meckenem, a German printmaker and goldsmith, around 1499. It is one of over 620 prints produced by the artist, who was a significant figure in early Northern European printmaking.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts a chaotic domestic scene featuring a confrontational interaction between a woman in flowing robes and a man in armor. A ram's head looms above them, and a small dog is present on the ground.
Technique & Style
The engraving is characterized by sharp, detailed lines that create deep shadows and texture. The artist employed cross-hatching to build up dark areas, resulting in a dramatic and dynamic scene.
Artist & collection
Artist
Israhel van Meckenem (c. 1445 – 10 November 1503), also known as Israhel van Meckenem the Younger, was a German printmaker and goldsmith, perhaps of a Dutch family origin. He was the most prolific engraver of the…
