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The British Museum

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This is a drawing of an nativity scene. The image features a woman with a halo kneeling in prayer beside a manger where a baby lies. Surrounding her are two animals, an ox and a donkey, which are gazing towards the baby. Above the woman, cherubs are flying, and on the left, in the distant landscape, two figures can be seen approaching. The drawing captures the folds of the woman's attire and the expressions on the figures. The scene appears to celebrate a calm event set within a simple setting adorned with rural and spiritual elements.
Martin Schongauer, The Nativity, c. 1480/1490, engraving, Rosenwald Collection, 1944.2.72

The Nativity

Martin Schongauer · c. 1480/1490 · engraving ·  Accession ID  1944.2.72

The image shows a man on a cross with arms outstretched, wearing a crown of thorns. A group of people surrounds the base of the cross. One woman appears mourning on the left, while different individuals, including one kneeling, are depicted on the right. The background features rock formations and a landscape. The scene is rendered in a style emphasizing line and texture, with no visible color, and a skull and rocks are on the ground beneath the cross.
Martin Schongauer, The Crucifixion, c. 1480, engraving, Rosenwald Collection, 1943.3.33

The Crucifixion

Martin Schongauer · c. 1480 · engraving ·  Accession ID  1943.3.33

The image shows a woman standing with a small child in her arms. The woman is turned slightly to her right, holding the child close with both arms. Her facial features are serene with a downward glance and expressive eyes. She has long hair cascading over her shoulders, adorned with a crown on her head. Her clothing is flowing and elaborate, with a tight bodice and long sleeves. Light radiates from behind them. The child has curls and gentle features, reaching out towards the woman. They are enveloped in light. The background is a textured surface. The date "1508" and a monogram are inscribed in the lower right corner.
Albrecht Dürer, The Virgin and Child on a Crescent with a Starry Crown, 1508, engraving on laid paper, Rosenwald Collection, 1943.3.3497

The Virgin and Child on a Crescent with a Starry Crown

Albrecht Dürer · 1508 · engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1943.3.3497

This is a drawing of a winged figure standing above a landscape with a castle. The figure is nude with flowing hair, large feathered wings, one hand holding a rod with drapery and the other hand holding a plume. The figure stands atop a bright light source that illuminates the landscape below with a castle, trees, and winding pathways. The artwork features intricate linework and shading suggesting careful etching techniques.
Albrecht Altdorfer, Winged Woman on a Star, c. 1515/1518, engraving on laid paper, Rosenwald Collection, 1943.3.417

Winged Woman on a Star

Albrecht Altdorfer · c. 1515/1518 · engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1943.3.417

Sebald Beham, Cimon and Pero, 1544, engraving on laid paper, Rosenwald Collection, 1943.3.1226

Cimon and Pero

Sebald Beham · 1544 · engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1943.3.1226

Two full-body figures are depicted in the image. The person on the left is standing, characterized by long, wavy hair and soft facial features. They are dressed in a flowing garment, holding a spear. The person on the right is seated on a ledge, with short, curly hair, defined facial features, and a muscular torso. This figure wears armor and has their arm resting on a shield placed beside them. The background is filled with detailed trees and foliage.
Marcantonio Raimondi, Venus Appearing to Aeneas, c. 1505, engraving on laid paper, Gift of W.G. Russell Allen, 1941.1.64

Venus Appearing to Aeneas

Marcantonio Raimondi · c. 1505 · engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1941.1.64

The image is an engraving depicting an upper body portrait of a man viewed from a side profile. The man is looking to the right, with his head slightly tilted upward. He has a full beard and mustache, and a prominent nose. The man is wearing a hat that covers his curly hair, and elaborate robes or garments with intricate patterns, particularly on his shoulders and down the front. He is also wearing a necklace with a large pendant. The background features fine horizontal lines for texture, and below the portrait is an engraved Latin text.
Barthel Beham, Emperor Charles V, 1531, engraving on laid paper, Rosenwald Collection, 1943.3.890

Emperor Charles V

Barthel Beham · 1531 · engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1943.3.890

The image shows a circular design made of swirling lines and symmetrical lattices radiating from a central point. The pattern features interwoven loops and knots resembling flower petals, enclosed within a frame with leaf and vine embellishments. The composition resembles a mandala, drawing connections to floral arrangements and Celtic knots.
Albrecht Dürer, The Third Knot (with a black circle on a white medallion), probably 1506/1507, woodcut on laid paper, Rosenwald Collection, 1943.3.3606

The Third Knot (with a black circle on a white medallion)

Albrecht Dürer · probably 1506/1507 · woodcut on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1943.3.3606

This is a drawing of a bearded man resting in a pastoral landscape with a medieval town in the background. The image shows a seated figure under a tree, holding a staff and gazing into the distance. The landscape is rich with trees and a flowing river. The background features a town with gothic architecture, multiple church spires, and a high-walled castle on a hill. The art style is detailed and intricate.
Jonas Silber, Saturn, 1582, punch engraving on laid paper, Rosenwald Collection, 1943.3.5806

Saturn

Jonas Silber · 1582 · punch engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1943.3.5806

This is a drawing of an allegorical or mythological scene. The image depicts two figures standing on either side of a pedestal that is topped with an eagle. The figure on the left appears to be wearing a helmet with a plume, and is interacting with the eagle. The figure on the right is holding a container pouring liquid onto the eagle. The background features a decorative pattern with horizontal lines and a dark sky. The pedestal is ornately decorated with scrollwork and a winged design. The drawing is executed in a style reminiscent of classical or Renaissance art, characterized by detailed line work and shading to convey texture and form.
Italian 16th Century, Consecration of an Eagle, c. 1500/1525, niello print, Rosenwald Collection, 1943.3.6685

Consecration of an Eagle

Italian 16th Century · c. 1500/1525 · niello print ·  Accession ID  1943.3.6685