Vlakdecoratie met onderaan twee geblinddoekte vrouwen 1510 - 1527

This is a narrow band designed by Sebald Beham, created sometime between 1500 and 1550. Executed in engraving, it is marked by intricate details and a vertical orientation. The composition features a series of decorative elements stacked upon one another. At the top, a cherubic figure sits amidst foliage, leading the eye down to a complex arrangement of vases, leaves, and grotesque masks. At the base, two blindfolded female figures stand back-to-back. Beham’s use of line is particularly striking. Fine, dense hatching creates a rich texture, giving depth to the forms and a sense of movement within the static medium. The engraving technique allows for precise detailing, evident in the swirling acanthus leaves and the nuanced expressions of the figures. The decorative panel destabilizes established meanings through the use of ornamental language. The panel serves as a site where classical and grotesque elements meet, questioning the boundaries of beauty and the beast. The symbolic value suggests an ongoing dialogue.