Ornament With Flower and Eight Wild Folk 1490 - 1500

Israhel van Meckenem’s “Ornament With Flower and Eight Wild Folk” from 1490-1500 is an engraving that exemplifies the artist’s mastery of line and detail. Eight nude figures are entangled with intricate, scrolling foliage, their bodies contorting in a dynamic composition. The scrollwork is inscribed with Latin phrases and the inscription “Erasmus Altvss” appears at the top right. This engraving, now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, is a testament to the decorative aesthetic of the late 15th century. The artist's talent for creating a complex and visually engaging scene within a small format is evident in this detailed and lively work.