Ornament met triton en twee nereïdes 1512 - 1560

This is a ‘Ornament met triton en twee nereïdes’ made by Heinrich Aldegrever. The dense network of fine, engraved lines creates a captivating interplay of light and shadow. Aldegrever masterfully employs hatching and cross-hatching, building up areas of deep black that contrast sharply with the stark white of the paper. This contrast lends the figures a sculptural quality, emphasizing their dynamic poses and muscular forms. The composition is carefully arranged, with the figures intertwined in a complex yet balanced manner. The Triton, a sea god, dominates the center, his powerful form anchoring the scene. The Nereids, or sea nymphs, intertwine with him, adding a sense of fluid movement and grace. The use of line to create texture, from the scales of the Triton's tail to the flowing hair of the Nereids, reflects the interest in surface detail. Through an interplay of classical mythology and technical virtuosity, Aldegrever invites us to contemplate the enduring allure of allegory.