Panel of Ornament with a Birdcage

Prints and Drawings

c. 1507

Nicoletto da Modena
Italian, active c. 1500-c. 1520

This decorative panel contains themes of war and triumph, presenting the fight above the birdcage while showing a celebratory procession below. The central figure represents a winged genius, possibly Fame, who holds the birdcage as well as palms and two trumpets. There are two figures tied to her, a naked woman and a warrior, and they satisfy the creatures below them with food and drink. Although the print surface is densely covered with imagery, Nicoletto da Modena often engraved his plates quite lightly, which can be seen in the delicacy of his printed line.

Status: Currently Off View
Department: Prints and Drawings

Artist: Nicoletto da Modena
Title: Panel of Ornament with a Birdcage
Date: 1502–1512
Medium: Engraving on paper
Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Potter Palmer, Jr.
Reference Number: 1937.85
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