National Gallery of Art · Open Data

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Explore only works whose published-image record is explicitly marked open access by the National Gallery of Art. Every result includes eligible imagery and connects back to the museum.

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63,855 open-access works

63,855 NGA-open-access works
Dataset refreshed September 19, 2026

This is a drawing of an architectural ornament. It features an eagle, decorative floral elements, and a shield. The central eagle has outstretched wings and is flanked by two identical baskets or urns with intricate floral arrangements. Above the eagle, there are two wreaths or garlands, and the lower section includes a shield surrounded by ornate scrollwork. The piece is detailed with shading and line work, typical of classic decorative styles in architectural designs.

Print1997.10.9

Architectural Motif with a Bird

Carlo Antonio Buffagnotti

c. 1690 · etching on laid paper

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The image shows a bust sculpture of a human figure within an ornate niche. The bust features a figure with long hair, draped in a garment covering the shoulders, depicted in a monochrome engraving style. The niche surrounding the bust is decorated with carved patterns, including scroll-like motifs at the top and curved lines framing the figure. The presentation gives the sculpture a classical appearance and a sense of importance or reverence. Detailed hatching in the engraving adds depth and shading, enhancing the three-dimensionality of the sculpture and its niche.

Print1997.10.3

Architectural Motif with a Bust

Carlo Antonio Buffagnotti

c. 1690 · etching on laid paper

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The image shows a large decorative tapestry with a fruit motif, hung against an ornate architectural background. The color scheme is mainly beige and brown. The tapestry is in the center, flanked by acanthus leaves, and framed by a balustrade below. Festoon-like garlands hang from the top corners towards the center.

Print1997.10.7

Architectural Motif with a Drape with Fruit

Carlo Antonio Buffagnotti

c. 1690 · etching on laid paper

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This is a drawing of an elaborate architectural structure. The structure features classical design elements, including an ornate pediment at the top, supported by elegant curvilinear columns with decorative volutes. The central area contains an emblem or cartouche bordered by intricate scrollwork, which holds a small depiction of a figure in its center. Below the emblem, there is an arch-like form with detailed linear shading that adds depth. The embellishments suggest a sense of grandeur and precision typical of classical or baroque architectural drawings. The balance of the composition and the fineness of the ink work highlight the skill in capturing the three-dimensionality and ornate detailing of classical architecture.

Print1997.10.10

Architectural Motif with a Figure

Carlo Antonio Buffagnotti

c. 1690 · etching on laid paper

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The image displays an intricately carved frame enclosing a landscape scene. The view is centered on the scene within the frame. The landscape includes buildings and distant hills or trees. The frame and scene are detailed with fine lines and hatching to show texture and depth. The frame is adorned with swirling patterns, scrolls, and a shell motif at the top center. The color scheme is monochromatic, emphasizing the details of the frame and scene. The frame occupies most of the space, directing attention to the central circular landscape, creating a sense of a distant world captured within the design.

Print1997.10.2

Architectural Motif with a Landscape

Carlo Antonio Buffagnotti

c. 1690 · etching on laid paper

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This is a drawing of an architectural ornament. The image includes a detailed depiction of a decorative architectural element showcasing intricate scrollwork and leaf patterns. The central figure resembles an ornate volute, accompanied by symmetrical curving lines and foliage motifs. The drawing demonstrates a high level of craftsmanship and attention to decorative detail, typical of classical architectural drawings.

Print1997.10.8

Architectural Motif with a Vase

Carlo Antonio Buffagnotti

c. 1690 · etching on laid paper

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This is a drawing of an ornate architectural cartouche featuring a bust. The drawing depicts a classical decorative element, comprised of an embellished frame or shield. Within the center of the cartouche is an engraved depiction of a bust, set against a background with subtle details. The cartouche is surrounded by decorative scrollwork and intricately carved embellishments, showcasing a high level of craftsmanship. The use of shading and line work details suggest depth and texture throughout the design.

Print1997.10.5

Architectural Motif with Bust and Two Lamps

Carlo Antonio Buffagnotti

c. 1690 · etching on laid paper

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The image features a shield or plaque with a central urn surrounded by ornate carvings. The color scheme is beige and brown, with varying shades highlighting the details. The urn is in the center, with decorative scrolls on either side, a draped pattern above, and a textured lower section resembling carved stone.

Print1997.10.12

Architectural Motif with Fruit in a Vase

Carlo Antonio Buffagnotti

c. 1690 · etching on laid paper

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This is a drawing of an ornate architectural element. The drawing features intricate Baroque-style designs with elaborate scrolls and volutes. The central part of the design includes an empty shield or cartouche surrounded by curved moldings and carvings. The shading and line work suggest a sense of depth.

Print1997.10.6

Architectural Motif with Three Shields

Carlo Antonio Buffagnotti

c. 1690 · etching on laid paper

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This is a drawing of an ornate architectural design. The image features a detailed illustration of a decorative, baroque-style cartouche with an empty central oval space, surrounded by elaborate swirling acanthus leaves and scrollwork. The lines are intricately drawn, highlighting the elegant curves and intricate detail of the ornamentation. The lower part of the image shows a rectangular panel with parallel lines, suggesting a base or an architectural frieze. The composition showcases the complexity and intricacy typical of classical decorative art.

Print1997.10.11

Architectural Motif with Three Shields

Carlo Antonio Buffagnotti

c. 1690 · etching on laid paper

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This is a drawing of an ornate architectural detail. The image showcases an intricately designed architectural pediment with an empty heraldic shield at its center. The structure is embellished with acanthus leaves, volutes, and carved keystones that highlight the archway below. The precision of the lines gives texture to the surface, with a focus on symmetry and balance. Ornamental touches such as floral motifs and decorative reliefs enhance the grandeur and sophistication of the design.

Print1997.10.4

Architectural Motif with Three Shields, Two with Figures

Carlo Antonio Buffagnotti

c. 1690 · etching on laid paper

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The sculpture depicts a bird perched among intricate foliage and wheat-like elements, forming a decorative capital that would typically adorn the top of a column. The material resembles stone or plaster, with a natural color palette in shades of brown and gray. The carving captures textures of feathers and leaves, indicating skilled craftsmanship. The sculpture combines natural motifs with classical design principles.

Index of American Design1943.8.12794

Architectural Ornament

Helen Blumenstiel

1935/1942 · 3-color lithograph on paper

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This is a drawing of an architectural design featuring a semicircular decorative element. The image showcases a grayscale rendering of an ornate fanlight or window design. The fanlight contains an intricate pattern of leaves and decorative motifs, symmetrically arranged and finely detailed. The arch features stone blocks defining its structure, and the border of the fanlight is embellished with small square elements for additional decorative detail. The composition is clean, precise, and rendered with attention to the play of light and shadow, highlighting the relief of the elements.

Index of American Design1943.8.12818

Architectural Ornament

William Kerby

c. 1936 · watercolor and graphite on paperboard

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The sculpture depicts a cityscape within an oval frame. The cityscape comprises architectural structures with domes and spires. The material appears to be metal, possibly bronze, showing a dark coloration. The frame features rounded, bead-like protrusions. The relief sculpture shows detailed buildings in the middle, with intricately carved domes and rooftops. The foreground and background have a smooth texture. The bottom of the frame has scroll-like designs.

Index of American Design1943.8.16417

Architectural Ornament (City of Boston)

Flora Merchant

1935/1942 · watercolor and graphite on paper

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The image shows a wooden eagle with spread wings and its head turned to the side. The eagle is carved in shades of golden brown and placed on a cream background. The wings extend laterally and the body rests on a pedestal, making the eagle the main focal point.

Index of American Design1943.8.16697

Architectural Ornament (Eagle)

Robert Pohle

1935/1942 · watercolor, graphite, and pen and ink on paper

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This is a drawing of a neoclassical building facade with columns and a clock tower. The drawing presents a symmetrical architectural design with detailed elements. The central part of the building features a prominent entrance flanked by four large columns in the Corinthian order, which support an entablature adorned with classic friezes. Above the entablature rests a clock tower with a dome. The lower portions include arched openings and niches containing sculptures or reliefs. The left side of the drawing shows additional segmentations, suggesting window placements, while the right side is faded. The meticulous linework and use of shadows enhance the depth and dimensionality, emphasizing the structure's grandeur and classical inspiration.

Drawing2018.26.26

Architectural Study

Giuseppe Valeriani

mid-18th century · pen and black ink with gray and brown wash over graphite on laid paper, with the cupola redrawn on a separate piece of paper and pasted down

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The sculpture features seated Buddhas within an ornate structure. The figures are surrounded by an intricate relief on a circular stone stupa. The sculpture is a natural stone color with carved decorations, including geometric patterns and seated Buddhas. The perspective of the image is looking up at the structure, showcasing its grandeur and intricate detailing. The craftsmanship of the carvings suggests historical and cultural significance.

Photograph2012.137.1.29

Architectural View of the Lama Temple Near Pekin, October 1860

Felice Beato

1860 · albumen silver print

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The sculpture on the coin depicts a seated female figure wearing a crown, holding a staff in her right hand and a pair of compasses in her left hand. The figure is draped in a gown that reveals her feet. In the background, there is an architectural structure resembling a domed building with towers. The coin is made of a brown metal, likely bronze or copper, and is inscribed with the words "FIDELITAS" and "LABOR." The sculpture is a finely detailed raised relief that fits within the circular confines of the coin.

Sculpture1957.14.786.b

Architecture Holding a Compass and Square [reverse]

Attributed to Caradosso Foppa

c. 1506 · bronze

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The sculpture is a detailed bronze medal with an intricately carved scene. The central figure is a robed woman wearing a crown, seated on a throne or plinth. She is holding a small, detailed depiction of three robed figures. The sculpture is rich in detail with floral and agricultural motifs surrounding the woman, including wheat, grapes, and flowers. The medal is set on an ornate metal stand with elegant scrollwork and a maroon, rectangular marble base with white veining. The polished bronze color of the medal gives it a classic and historical appearance. The inscription at the bottom reads "LE BEAU LE VRAI L UTILE."

Sculpture2005.111.1.a

Architecture Holding Statues of Personifications of Structure, Form, and Color (Medal for the Société centrale des architects) [obverse]

Eugène-André Oudiné

designed 1843, awarded 1911 · bronze

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The sculpture is a relief carving on a coin or medallion. The scene features a seated figure, likely a woman, draped in robes. She is next to architectural elements including columns and a temple with steps. The circular piece has a raised, beaded edge. The figure holds an object and there is a basket or urn beside her. The material appears to be bronze. The relief carving contrasts with the background. There is a Latin inscription below the image: "DEO ET OPT PRINC."

Sculpture1957.14.1033.b

Architecture Seated before Buildings [reverse]

Jacopo Nizzola da Trezzo

1578 · bronze

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This is a painting of an architectural archway. The painting depicts a detailed, ornate archway crafted from stone. The structure features intricately designed fluted columns on either side supporting an entablature and a stylized keystone at the center of the curved arch. The craftsmanship is emphasized through the shading, which gives depth to the grooves and patterns etched into the stone. The background is plain, allowing full focus on the architectural details of the arch.

Index of American Design1943.8.6568

Archway

Rose Campbell-Gerke

c. 1940 · watercolor, colored pencil, and graphite on paperboard

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The image shows a detailed engraving of ancient ruins viewed from a low angle. The ruins dominate the center, depicted with intricate line work to show the texture of weathered stone. Surrounding the ruins are dense foliage and various figures and animals engaged in activities. The overall color palette is grayscale, with the ruins rising against a softly etched sky in the background.

Portfolio2003.86.53

Arco della Toretta o sia parte dell'acqua Claudia, agli Arci vicino a Tivoli

Jacob Wilhelm Mechau

1793 · etching on laid paper

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The image shows a view from a low angle looking up at a grand archway with sculptures and carvings. The Arch of Constantine in Rome is the dominant structure, obscuring the horizon. The foreground contains foliage and columns. The artwork is detailed, with fine lines and crosshatching suggesting an etching technique. The color scheme is monochrome with shades of sepia and black. Trees in the distance indicate a landscaped area beyond the archway, adding depth to the scene.

Portfolio2002.66.1.9

Arco di Costantino

Giovanni Battista Piranesi

1748 · etching on laid paper

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The image shows ancient architectural ruins, likely an archway, viewed from a slightly elevated perspective. The horizon is low, with the arch at the center, surrounded by overgrown foliage and weathered stone surfaces. The artwork features fine lines and cross-hatching to depict texture on the stonework and vegetation, using black and white for contrast and shadow. The arch's detailed relief work is visible up close, while small human figures offer scale, leading the eye to distant structures or trees. The color palette is monochromatic, emphasizing textures with black ink against a lighter background.

Portfolio2002.66.1.8

Arco di Druso

Giovanni Battista Piranesi

1748 · etching on laid paper

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