The Third Knot

This woodcut, "The Third Knot," presents an intricate, almost dizzying pattern of interwoven ribbons, forming a complex, seemingly endless loop. It is one of a series of six such designs, all inspired by engravings from Leonardo da Vinci’s school, which the artist likely encountered during his travels in Italy. The design here is a masterclass in visual complexity, a flat surface made to suggest three dimensions through overlapping and shading. Look closely at how the light and shadow play across the imagined folds of the ribbon, creating a sense of depth and movement. Printed on thin, almost translucent Italian paper, these "knots" were once thought to be embroidery patterns, a testament to their delicate and precise execution. Though the artist left this series unsigned, he referred to them in his diary, confirming his hand in their creation.