DISCOVERART

Johann Theodor de Bry

Ornamental Design for Knife Handle with Earth, from The Four Elements

c. 1590
Engraving in black on ivory laid paper
9 × 2.2 cm (3.5 × 0.9 in)

SEE IT IN PERSON

● On view now — Gallery 238

Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · verified July 2026

View at artic.edu ↗Plan a visit ↗

Discussion

Be the first to share your thoughts.

Sign in to join the discussion.

Community guidelines

More by Johann Theodor de Bry

The Temptation of Saint Anthony, plate 16 from the Emblemata SeculariaThe Temptation of Saint Anthony, plate 16 from the EmblemataImmodica Ira Gignit Insaniam, Design for Interiors of TazzeImmodica Ira Gignit Insaniam, Design for Interiors of TazzePrayerPrayerMaxima Egestas Est Avaritia, Design for a footed dishMaxima Egestas Est Avaritia, Design for a footed dishBath of SardanapalusBath of SardanapalusChristopher Columbus, frontispiece from volume 5 of Theodor de Bry's AmericaChristopher Columbus, frontispiece from volume 5 of Theodor Triumph of BacchusTriumph of BacchusThe Golden AgeThe Golden Age

More like this

Copy of a Design for a Knife Handle with the Death of LucretiaTheodor de Bry — Copy of a Design for a Knife Handle with thThalia (comedy, pastoral poetry) (from the Tarocchi series D: Apollo and the Muses, #16)Master of the E-Series Tarocchi (Italian, active 1460s) — ThCorona delle Nobili et Virtuose Donne: Libro I-IV, page 84 (recto)Cesare Vecellio — Corona delle Nobili et Virtuose Donne: LibPolyhymnia (heroic hymns) (from the Tarocchi series D: Apollo and the Muses, #15)Master of the E-Series Tarocchi (Italian, active 1460s) — PoDesign for the Channels of Fluted ArmorDaniel Hopfer — Design for the Channels of Fluted ArmorDagger Sheath with a Nude Woman AboveHeinrich Aldegrever — Dagger Sheath with a Nude Woman AboveOpera Nova Universali intitulata Corona di racammi, page 15 (verso)Giovanni Andrea Vavassore — Opera Nova Universali intitulataSummer, a woman, crowned with corn, standing in a cornfield with corn in her right hand and a scythe in her left hand, within a cartouche topped with corn, from 'The four Seasons' (Les quatre Saisons)Stefano della Bella|Israël Henriet — Summer, a woman, crowneDagger Sheath with a LandsknechtJacob Binck — Dagger Sheath with a LandsknechtNew ABC Booklet: HLucas Kilian (German, 1579–1637) — New ABC Booklet: HIl Monte. Opera Nova di Recami, page 3 (verso)Giovanni Antonio Bindoni|Giovanni & Marchio Sessa|Chambolle-The Seven Vices: AvariceHans Burgkmair (German, 1473–1531) — The Seven Vices: Avari