Geometric forms among ruins and strapwork constructions, Plate 4 from Geometria et Perspectiva
The fascination with perspective and geometry culminates in this print series designed by Lorenz Stoer. Aside from the title page, the work is devoid of text but features illustrations of fantastical landscapes populated by polyhedrons amid ruins and strapwork constructions. The title page explains the puzzling images: they are said to be useful to artists working in the field of wood inlay, or marquetry. The art of rendering perspectival imagery in marquetry was popular in Italy throughout the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries and was adopted in southern Germany as well. Several cabinets from the later sixteenth century with decorations in the style of Stoer’s prints are known, one of which can be found in the Museum’s own collection (see 48.59.2). The extent to which meaning was ascribed to this kind of imagery, or whether they were thought of simply as decorative patterns, is unclear.
See 1984.1085.1–.13 for additional pages in the bound volume.
See 1984.1085.1–.13 for additional pages in the bound volume.
Artwork Details
- Title: Geometric forms among ruins and strapwork constructions, Plate 4 from Geometria et Perspectiva
- Artist: Lorenz Stoer (German, ca. 1530–after 1621)
- Publisher: Hans Rogel , Augsburg
- Date: 1567
- Medium: Woodcut in a bound volume with 13 sheets
- Dimensions: Sheet: 9 13/16 × 7 11/16 in. (25 × 19.6 cm)
- Classifications: Books, Ornament & Architecture
- Credit Line: The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1984
- Object Number: 1984.1085.6
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
More Artwork
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.