Vine Ornament with Two Birds

c. 1440/1450

German 15th Century

Associated Names
German 15th Century

Artist

Master of the Playing Cards

Related Artist, German, active c. 1430/1455

The artwork is a vertical, monochrome engraving featuring an intricate vine ornament with two birds. The composition is framed by a thin border, encapsulating a network of entwined vines and stylized flowers. The birds are positioned amidst the foliage; one bird is perched on a vine, while the other is in flight, both integrated into the pattern. The vines and flowers are detailed with fine lines, creating movement and texture. The background is plain, highlighting the design of the vines and birds.

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 on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    plate: 10 × 7 cm (3 15/16 × 2 3/4 in.)
    sheet: 13.4 × 9.4 cm (5 1/4 × 3 11/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1950.17.206

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Lehrs, undescribed

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

D'Arenberg Collection, Brussels and Westphalila (Lugt 567); (William Schab, New York); purchased by Lessing J. Rosenwald [1891-1979], 1950; gift to NGA, 1950.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1967

  • Fifteenth Century Engravings of Northern Europe from the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., NGA, 1967-1968, no. 2, repro.

1977

  • Paper in Prints, National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, 1977, no. 58.

Bibliography

1908

  • Lehrs, Max. Geschichte und kritischer Katalog des deutschen, niederlandischen und franzosischen Kupferstichs im XV. Jahrhundert. 9 vols. and 1 plate vol. Vienna: Gesellschaft fur vervielfaltigende Kunst, 1908-1934.

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

1967

  • Shestack, Alan. Fifteenth Century Engravings of Northern Europe from the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.. Exh. cat. Washington: National Gallery of Art, 1967: no. 2.

Wikidata ID

Q65216111