Artwork

Border Illustration with Scenes from the Life of Christ and Putti Pouring Wine

Border Illustration with Scenes from the Life of Christ and Putti Pouring Wine is an ink print by the Baroque artist Netherlandish 17th Century. It dates from 1613 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. This early modern print presents a decorative border framing a vacant central panel.

About this work

Overview

The lateral panels contain circular vignettes depicting domestic figures, such as a woman with a basket and a sleeping child.

This early modern print presents a decorative border framing a vacant central panel. The border is densely ornamented with carved motifs, including cherubic figures, vases, and small narrative scenes. At the top, two putti support a vase from which a wisp of smoke or cloud ascends. Below, additional putti are seated on ledges, one pouring wine into cups while others manipulate vessels. The lateral panels contain circular vignettes depicting domestic figures, such as a woman with a basket and a sleeping child.

Subject & Meaning

The inclusion of wine‑pouring putti suggests a festive or celebratory atmosphere, while the upper vignette with rising smoke may allude to a heavenly or divine presence. The surrounding domestic scenes provide a contrast between sacred symbolism and everyday life, a compositional strategy common in prints intended for both devotional and decorative purposes.

Technique & Style

Executed as an engraving on laid paper, the image was incised onto a metal plate before being printed. The fine line work allows for intricate detailing of the carved ornamentation and the small figurative groups. The style reflects the elaborate ornamental borders popular in late 15th‑ to early 16th‑century printmaking, where decorative motifs often framed narrative or religious subjects.

History & Provenance

The work is identified as a proof before the addition of lettering, indicating it was likely a preparatory impression used to assess the composition and engraving quality. No specific artist or date is recorded in the supplied information, and the print’s subsequent ownership or exhibition history remains undocumented.