Air

1568

Jost Amman, after Wenzel Jamnitzer I

Associated Names
Jost Amman

Artist, Swiss, 1539 - 1591

Wenzel Jamnitzer I

Artist After, German, 1508 - 1585

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.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching on laid paper [proof without text]

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 25.5 x 17.8 cm (10 1/16 x 7 in.) (cut within platemark)

  • Accession Number

    2011.78.2

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    New Hollstein, book 44.12, no. 2610, proof

  • Series Title

    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...

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

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

Associated Names

Bibliography

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. German engravings, etchings and woodcuts ca. 1400-1700. 8 vols. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, 1954-1868. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. Vols. I-XV, XVIII, XIX. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberge, no. 44.7

1996

  • The New Hollstein German Engravings, Etchings and Woodcuts, 1400-1700. (Jost Amman, Gero Seelig, author). Rotterdam: Sound & Vision Interactive, 1996-, book 44.12, no. 2610, proof.

Inscriptions

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

Watermarks

crown wit

Wikidata ID

Q76558897

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