The image shows an intricate etching of a Gothic cathedral, viewed from ground level looking upwards. The cathedral's tower is prominent, with detailed tracery and pointed arches defining its architecture. The horizon is low, revealing the cityscape with the cathedral at the center. Various smaller buildings and street life surround the cathedral. The etching's precise line work captures the cathedral's ornate details and stone textures. The color palette is monochrome, using varying shades of gray to create depth and contrast. People, horses, and carts are depicted in the foreground, providing scale against the cathedral. The cityscape continues in the background with rooftops and distant buildings fading away. Clouds fill the sky, adding a dramatic backdrop to the scene.
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The image shows an intricate etching of a Gothic cathedral, viewed from ground level looking upwards. The cathedral's tower is prominent, with detailed tracery and pointed arches defining its architecture. The horizon is low, revealing the cityscape with the cathedral at the center. Various smaller buildings and street life surround the cathedral. The etching's precise line work captures the cathedral's ornate details and stone textures. The color palette is monochrome, using varying shades of gray to create depth and contrast. People, horses, and carts are depicted in the foreground, providing scale against the cathedral. The cityscape continues in the background with rooftops and distant buildings fading away. Clouds fill the sky, adding a dramatic backdrop to the scene.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Antwerp Cathedral

Wenceslaus Hollar

Date
1649
Medium
etching
Classification
Print
Accession number
1943.3.9076
Credit line
Rosenwald Collection
Time span
1601 to 1650
Department
CG-E

Subjects and terms

  • Street
  • Bohemian
  • City
  • Cart
  • Cathedral
  • Figures

NGA object ID 11584. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.