Artwork

XX: Twenty Years

XX: Twenty Years, by Crispijn van de Passe I, ink, 1599
XX: Twenty Years, by Crispijn van de Passe I, ink, 1599

XX: Twenty Years is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Crispijn van de Passe I. It dates from 1599 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

XX: Twenty Years is an engraving on laid paper created by Crispijn van de Passe I around 1599. It is currently held at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts two figures in an intimate, cluttered interior scene, one seated with a book and the other standing, playing a lute. The surrounding Latin text suggests a theme related to the passage of time.

Technique & Style

Van de Passe employed fine lines to achieve a three-dimensional effect, capturing shadows and details with precision. The engraving technique involved carving intricate images into metal to produce the printed image.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.