Alphabet

c. 1525/1555

Heinrich Aldegrever

Associated Names
Heinrich Aldegrever

Artist, German, 1502 - 1555/1561

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.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet (trimmed to plate mark): 7.5 × 12.5 cm (2 15/16 × 4 15/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.291

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    New Hollstein, no. 206, State only

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

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

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1994

  • Fanciful Flourishes: Ornament in European Graphic Art and Related Objects, 1300-1800, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1994.

Bibliography

1802

  • Bartsch, Adam. Le peintre graveur. 21 vols. Vienna, 1802-1821: Adam. Le peintre graveur. 21 vols. Vienna: J.V. Degen, 1802-1821.

1996

  • The New Hollstein German Engravings, Etchings and Woodcuts, 1400-1700. (Heinrich Aldegreaver, Ursula Mielke, author). Rotterdam: Sound & Vision Interactive, 1996-, no. 206, state only.

Wikidata ID

Q64957485

You may be interested in

Loading Results