Vlakdecoratie met grotesken 1607

Lucas Kilian created this print with grotesques sometime between 1579 and 1637, using etching. The two strips of ornament are densely populated with fantastic, hybrid creatures. These motifs were highly fashionable across Europe from the 16th century onwards. The style originated in ancient Rome, rediscovered in the late 15th century, and then widely circulated through prints like this one. Ornament prints played a crucial role in disseminating visual ideas. Artisans consulted such prints to source ideas for decorating all kinds of objects, spaces, and buildings. Kilian worked in Augsburg, a major center for printmaking in Southern Germany, and the cultural and economic connections within the region allowed for the spread of these trends. The Rijksmuseum's rich collection of prints and drawings provides an invaluable resource for understanding the visual culture of the period, revealing the movement of motifs and styles across Europe.