The Jester

1586

Jost Amman

Associated Names
Jost Amman

Artist, Swiss, 1539 - 1591

The image displays swirling lines and exaggerated curved shapes to create an abstract composition. A central figure wearing a jester-like hat with bells rides a fantastical creature and holds drumsticks poised above drums emitting smoke-like swirls. An animal resembling a dog or feline stands next to a striped cat playing on the ground. The artwork blends elements of whimsy and fantasy in an abstract manner.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and black ink

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    Overall: 7.8 x 8.8 cm (3 1/16 x 3 7/16 in.)
    support: 16 x 17.9 cm (6 5/16 x 7 1/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1952.8.31

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Lessing J. Rosenwald; gift 1952 to National Gallery of Art.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1985

  • Kaufmann, Thomas Dacosta. "A Census of Drawings from the Holy Roman Empire, 1540-1680, in North American Collections" Central European History xviii, 1 (1985):4-13, 70-74, 76.

Inscriptions

lower center in black ink: 1586

Wikidata ID

Q64591552

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