Beaker with the Three Magi

Unknown artist

Judging from the decoration of this beaker, it is clear that the rendering of ornamental detail calls for different skills than the engraving of scenes. The ornament and the festoons of fruit on this beaker look almost three-dimensional, while the figural scenes appear somewhat stiff and flat. The engraver suggested shadows by combining incised lines and crosshatching of differing depths and varied spacing.