# Ornamental Panel Inscribed "Victoria Augusta"

**Giovanni Antonio da Brescia** (Italian, active c. 1490–1525 or after)  
c. 1516  
engraving  
sheet: 26.3 x 13.1 cm (10 3/8 x 5 3/16 in.)

Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1943.3.2908. [The museum's record](https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.6084.html).

## About this work

Giovanni Antonio da Brescia made this in about 1516, aged 46. It is now at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC.

### What you’re looking at

This is a drawing of an ornamental design featuring mythological creatures and motifs. The artwork depicts a symmetrical arrangement with two central figures holding musical instruments, surrounded by acanthus leaves, griffins, and sphinxes. In the upper portion, there is a winged figure with a crown-like headdress carrying symbols or trophies. The design is detailed with decorative elements including floral patterns and architectural motifs. Throughout the drawing, there are various mythological creatures integrated into the composition.

_Description from the National Gallery of Art._

### How it was made

- **Engraving.** Lines cut directly into a metal plate with a steel burin, which makes them swell and taper. It took years to master, and for centuries it was how paintings travelled as pictures.

### [Giovanni Antonio da Brescia](https://www.ochreeditions.com/artists/giovanni-antonio-da-brescia)

Italian, active c. 1490–1525 or after

## Facts

- Type: Print
- The artist was 46
- Real size: about 10 × 5 in (26 × 13 cm). The 8 × 10 in print is close to life size.
- Century: 16th century
- Subjects: bird, Seated figure, Nude, Statue, Figures
- Colour: grey
- Rights: public domain (CC0 1.0); free to use for any purpose.

## Get it

- Free download, full resolution: https://img.ochreeditions.com/m/1346.jpg?dl=1
- Image: https://img.ochreeditions.com/a/1346/1920.jpg
- Giclée reproduction on Hahnemühle Photo Rag: 8 × 10 in $28; 11 × 14 in $38; 12 × 16 in $42; 16 × 20 in $56; 18 × 24 in $68; 20 × 30 in $86
- Framed reproduction: 8 × 10 in $78; 11 × 14 in $98; 12 × 16 in $108; 16 × 20 in $138; 18 × 24 in $164; 20 × 30 in $208
- Canvas reproduction: 8 × 10 in $58; 11 × 14 in $72; 12 × 16 in $79; 16 × 20 in $98; 18 × 24 in $118
- Print-ready file: 8 × 10 in $2; 11 × 14 in $2; 12 × 16 in $3; 16 × 20 in $3; 18 × 24 in $3; 20 × 30 in $5

Sizes stop where the museum's file would print below 150 pixels per inch. Everything sold is a reproduction, made to order. [Order a print](https://www.ochreeditions.com/art/ornamental-panel-inscribed-victoria-augusta-nga-6084).