This is a drawing of an elaborate ornamental design with various mythical elements. The central focus of the image is a large, blank, vase-like shape that is surrounded by intricate decorative motifs. Above the vase, there are cherubic figures playing musical instruments, perched amidst swirling architectural forms and ornate scrolls. At the top center, a head with puffy cheeks appears to be blowing air, flanked by geometric shapes and foliage. The sides feature winged creatures, likely representing cherubs, each engaged in different activities. Birds with grand, outstretched wings are positioned at the bottom, as if guarding the central medallion. The entire composition is richly detailed with motifs of leaves, insects, and animals, creating a fantastical and harmonious balance.
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This is a drawing of an elaborate ornamental design with various mythical elements. The central focus of the image is a large, blank, vase-like shape that is surrounded by intricate decorative motifs. Above the vase, there are cherubic figures playing musical instruments, perched amidst swirling architectural forms and ornate scrolls. At the top center, a head with puffy cheeks appears to be blowing air, flanked by geometric shapes and foliage. The sides feature winged creatures, likely representing cherubs, each engaged in different activities. Birds with grand, outstretched wings are positioned at the bottom, as if guarding the central medallion. The entire composition is richly detailed with motifs of leaves, insects, and animals, creating a fantastical and harmonious balance.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Air

Jost Amman, after Wenzel Jamnitzer I

Date
1568
Medium
etching on laid paper [proof without text]
Dimensions
sheet: 25.5 x 17.8 cm (10 1/16 x 7 in.) (cut within platemark)
Classification
Print
Accession number
2011.78.2
Credit line
Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Time span
1551 to 1600
Department
CG-E

Portfolio and series

Series
Perspectiva Corporum Regularium. Das ist Ein fleyssige Fürweysung Wie die Fünff Regulirten Cörper darwon Plato inn Timaeo Unnd Euclides inn sein Elementis schreibt etc. Durch einen sonderlichen neuen behenden und gerechten weg der vor nie im gebrauch ist gesehen wor-den gar künstlich inn die Perpectuia gebracht Und darzu ein schöne Anleytung wie auss denselbigen Fünff Cörpern one Endt gar viel andrere Cörper mancherlen Art und gestalt gemacht unnd gefunden werden mügen. Allen Liebhabern der freyen kunst zu Ehn durch Wenzeln Jamnitzer...

Subjects and terms

  • etching
  • allegory
Provenance

Princes of Waldburg Wolfegg, Wolfegg (Lugt 2542); (Stanza del Borgo, Milan); purchased 2011 by NGA.

Inscription

lower center in image: IA; lower right in image: A.VI; upper left in ink: 120

Watermarks

crown wit

NGA object ID 155788. 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.