The image displays swirling, symmetrical shapes and lines woven together to form an abstract composition. The lines resemble leaves and vines, creating an impression of ornate foliage. Faces resembling cherubs or mythical figures are interspersed within the design, with some heads crowned by leaves or tendrils. The arrangement suggests movement, as if the shapes are billowing like smoke or steam, evoking classical art found in decorative architecture.
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The image displays swirling, symmetrical shapes and lines woven together to form an abstract composition. The lines resemble leaves and vines, creating an impression of ornate foliage. Faces resembling cherubs or mythical figures are interspersed within the design, with some heads crowned by leaves or tendrils. The arrangement suggests movement, as if the shapes are billowing like smoke or steam, evoking classical art found in decorative architecture.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Ascending Ornament

Lambert Hopfer

Date
1520-1550; printed 1684
Medium
etching
Classification
Print
Accession number
1943.3.4649
Credit line
Rosenwald Collection
Time span
1501 to 1550
Department
CG-E

Subjects and terms

  • German
  • Sculpture
  • Leaf
  • Face
  • Cherub

NGA object ID 7388. 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.