Andrés de Melgar

Andrés de Melgar was an artist active during the early 16th century, documented between 1500 and 1540. His surviving output consists primarily of detailed ornamental drawings, reflecting the intricate decorative styles popular during the Northern Renaissance period.

Melgar’s work focuses heavily on the Grotesque, a style characterized by fanciful, interwoven figures, foliage, and architectural motifs. This specialized focus is evident in titles such as Candelabra Grotesque with a Cat and Flemish Grotesque Creatures and a Candelabra Grotesque (recto); Candelabra Grotesques with Mask (verso). Other key compositions demonstrate his mastery of complex linear design, including studies like Grotesque ornament with garlands and vase and Various Designs of Strapwork and Grotesque Figures (recto); Grotesques with Term Figures (verso). These drawings often served as models for applied arts and decorative projects.

A core group of 15 drawings attributed to Andrés de Melgar is represented in major collections, establishing his documented existence within the history of early 16th-century drawing. These works are currently held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As historical examples of ornamental design, Melgar’s drawings are often the subject of conservation and academic study. Today, many of these detailed compositions are in the public domain, making high-quality prints and downloadable artwork accessible to researchers and enthusiasts alike.