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This is a drawing of the alphabet surrounded by decorative elements. The letters A to Z are displayed in pairs on a textured backdrop in a structured grid. Elaborate scrollwork and foliage frame the text. Two cherubs are depicted on either side of the frame: one on the left holds a horn-like object, and the other cherub on the right holds a globe in one hand and a staff in the other. Both figures are surrounded by detailed leaves and scroll patterns.
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This is a drawing of the alphabet surrounded by decorative elements. The letters A to Z are displayed in pairs on a textured backdrop in a structured grid. Elaborate scrollwork and foliage frame the text. Two cherubs are depicted on either side of the frame: one on the left holds a horn-like object, and the other cherub on the right holds a globe in one hand and a staff in the other. Both figures are surrounded by detailed leaves and scroll patterns.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Alphabet

Heinrich Aldegrever

Date
c. 1525/1555
Medium
engraving
Dimensions
sheet (trimmed to plate mark): 7.5 × 12.5 cm (2 15/16 × 4 15/16 in.)
Classification
Print
Accession number
1943.3.291
Credit line
Rosenwald Collection
Time span
1501 to 1550
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • German
  • Cherub
  • alphabet
  • calligraphic
Provenance

Georg Hamminger [died before 1893], Regensburg (Lugt 1159)

NGA object ID 3503. 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.