Blackwork Print with an All-Over Schweifwerk Pattern 1600 - 1620

This blackwork print by Claes Jansz. Visscher, created between 1600 and 1620, is a prime example of the intricate "Schweifwerk" pattern popular in the early 17th century. The design features a repeating motif of scrolling tendrils, stylized leaves, and geometric shapes, all executed in a dense, black-on-white style. The use of "Schweifwerk," a type of ornamental design characterized by its sinuous, flowing lines, is a defining characteristic of this print, making it a valuable resource for understanding ornamental styles of the period. Now located in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this print, despite its small size, offers a glimpse into the intricate artistry of the time.