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Prints of the 17th century

Prints made in the 17th century, from every museum.

55 works · hang 3361 ·

The rooms are imagined; every work on their walls is real.

Walk this roomRehang this room

Section 1, north wall

  1. The artwork depicts four human figures, two males and two females, seated. One woman holds a baby, while one man holds a young child. The figures have different hairstyles and clothing, sitting in a natural setting with trees and hills in the background. The scene is drawn in a sketch-like style, focusing on lines and expressions.
    The Holy FamilySimone CantariniCourtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. A work made of etching in black ink on cream laid paper.
    A Young Woman Holding a CushionMonogrammist VCP, 1643Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago

Section 1, south wall

  1. This is a drawing of a mythological or allegorical scene. The scene features various figures of different ages engaged in activities around a central structure resembling an ornate draped curtain held up by columns. There is a celestial element shining down from the top, and an emblem or coat of arms held by winged figures at the very top. The figures are dressed in flowing robes and interact with each other and objects such as a globe and a staff. The composition is rich with symbolism, typical of artwork focused on narrative depth and storytelling.
    Title Page for G. de St. Vincent, Opus Geometricum Quadraturae CirculiCornelis Galle II, 1647Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. A work made of color woodblock print; oban.
    Kisegawa of the Matsubaya, from the series "Comparing the Charms of Five Beauties (Gonin bijin aikyo kurabe)"Kitagawa Utamaro, c. 1795/96Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago
  3. The image shows a pastoral scene in black and white with fine line work. A small bridge with a circular archway crosses a stream. A dirt path winds through the landscape flanked by grass and bushes. A rocky cliff ascends on the left with a tower-like structure partially obscured by vegetation. The horizon features a cloudy sky, with swirling lines indicating motion. In the distance, a tall, thin structure, possibly a spire or chimney, stands amid faint hills and trees. The scene conveys a serene atmosphere through hatching and cross-hatching techniques.
    Cascade under a Stone BridgeJan van de Velde II, c. 1616Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 2, south wall

  1. This image features intricately designed ornate letters of the alphabet surrounded by elaborate illustrations. The top of the composition shows a cherub riding on an eagle, holding a crown above their head. A ribbon with inscriptions unfurls around the crown, and a sun with a human face is visible in the corner. The letters "A," "F," "D," "H," and another "H" are decorated with classical elements like putti, garlands, and mythological figures. The central panel is adorned with heraldic symbols, angelic figures, and coats of arms. The overall style of the artwork reflects baroque or renaissance decorative artistry, known for its ornamental details and classical themes.
    PendantRobert NanteuilCourtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. The image shows a woman standing close to us, slightly turned to the side, looking down, with a hand supporting her draped attire and the other grasping a stick. Next to her, a donkey drinks from a shallow stream, carrying a large wicker basket with barrels inside. A dog is splashing in the water beside them. The horizon is low, meeting a rise of land with trees and shrubs, leading the eye to a distant pathway where a couple of small figures can be seen. The sky above has sketchily rendered clouds. The style involves fine, detailed linework, characteristic of etching, emphasizing textures such as the fur of the donkey and the folds of the fabric. The color palette is monochromatic, relying on various intensities of ink and line density to render shadows and highlights.
    Woman Crossing a StreamKarel Dujardin, 1662Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 2, north wall

  1. This is a drawing of two nude figures standing beneath a fruit-bearing tree surrounded by elements of nature. The drawing depicts a scene in a lush outdoor setting, featuring intricately detailed branches and leaves of the large tree as well as an eagle-like bird perched nearby. In the background are additional trees extending into a forested area, and a winding path leading into the distance. The foreground includes various plants and the ground is littered with their leaves. The figures are positioned at the center, engaged in a gesture of pointing towards the fruit in the tree. The scene is rendered in fine details with attention to the texture and flow of the natural elements surrounding the figures.
    Adam and Eve before the Tree of KnowledgeJan Saenredam, 1604Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. A work made of etching in black on ivory wove paper.
    The Knight and Death, from The Dance of DeathWenceslaus Hollar, 1651Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago
  3. The Mocking of Ceres, by Hendrik Goudt, 1610
    The Mocking of CeresHendrik Goudt, 1610Courtesy of the Cleveland Museum of Art

Section 3, north wall

  1. The Witch (Night Piece), by Jan van de Velde II, 1626
    The Witch (Night Piece)Jan van de Velde II, 1626Courtesy of the Cleveland Museum of Art
  2. The Genius of Castiglione, by Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione, ca. 1645–47 (published 1648)
    The Genius of CastiglioneGiovanni Benedetto Castiglione, ca. 1645–47 (published 1648)Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Section 3, south wall

  1. The image shows an etching of four individuals, two adults, and two children. The main adult is sitting with a child on each knee. This person is wearing a hooded cloak with soft facial features. The children have curly hair and are reaching towards each other. The second adult is seated behind them, wearing a loose robe and appears to be holding something, possibly a book. The background features trees, bushes, foliage, and a calm sky.
    The Holy FamilySimone CantariniCourtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. A work made of etching in black on cream laid paper.
    Saint Jerome and a Pope with Two Putti (Saint Jerome and Pope Damasus)Jacopo Palma il Giovane, c. 1611Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago

Section 4, south wall

  1. A work made of etching on ivory laid paper.
    Equestrian Ballet in the Amphitheater of the Boboli GardensStefano della Bella, 1661Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago
  2. A work made of woodblock print in black ink and watercolor on cream japanese paper.
    The Priest Kobo Daishi at the Tama River in Kii Province from the series The Six Tama RiversTorii Kiyomasu, c. 1725-1735Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago