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Panel of ornament with a bird-cage in the centre

ca. 1500–1510
Not on view
Nicoletto da Modena employs an engraving technique and a type of grotesque ornament that suggest this work was executed during his first trip to Rome. During his visit, he toured the newly unearthed Golden House of Nero, which at the time was the primary source for the study of this type of antique decoration. His composition, as in many of his prints, is arranged as a narrow panel and is almost completely symmetrical. Filled with mythical and historical figures, vegetal forms, medallions, armor, hybrid creatures, and birds, this sheet seems to be related to the theme of war. A small battle ensues above the central caged bird who is carried on the wings of a Genius, or demi-god, who may represent Fame.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Panel of ornament with a bird-cage in the centre
  • Artist: Nicoletto da Modena (Italian, Modena, active ca. 1500–ca. 1520)
  • Date: ca. 1500–1510
  • Medium: Engraving
  • Dimensions: sheet: 10 7/16 x 5 1/8 in. (26.5 x 13 cm)
  • Classification: Prints
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1921
  • Object Number: 21.30.1
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

More Artwork

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Apelles standing profile looking at a tablet of geometric figures, Nicoletto da Modena Italian, Engraving
Apelles standing profile looking at a tablet of geometric figures
Nicoletto da Modena
1500–1510
Album with Four Prints of Grotesques
Nicoletto da Modena
1500–1520
The fate of an evil tongue; seven putti stand around an anvil on which they hammer a tongue, landscape and architecture behind, Nicoletto da Modena Italian, Engraving
The fate of an evil tongue; seven putti stand around an anvil on which they hammer a tongue, landscape and architecture behind
Nicoletto da Modena
ca. 1507
Saint Catherine, sword in her right hand, palm in her left, Nicoletto da Modena Italian, Engraving
Saint Catherine, sword in her right hand, palm in her left
Nicoletto da Modena
ca. 1500–1510
Saint Christopher with the Christ Child on his shoulder, Nicoletto da Modena Italian, Engraving
Saint Christopher with the Christ Child on his shoulder
Nicoletto da Modena
ca. 1500–1510

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