Sprite Stitch Board!

Hi everyone! I have seen this technique used a few times on the site and I found a beautiful picture that I would love to try to replicate but for the life of me, I cannot figure out what this type of stitching is called, if it has a proper name, to even find a pattern. Long story short, I'm going nuts, someone please help!! <3
Here is an example:

Thanks ahead of time!!!

Looks like blackwork.

This technique is called blackwork. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackwork

It is generally done with a single coloured thread, but in your image it looks like lots of different coloured threads have been used. Also known as Scarletwork and goldwork where red thread and gold thread are used respectively.

Thanks for the quick replies!! I thought that was what it was but I couldn't find anything solid to confirm or a pattern with similar design.
You guys are awesome!! <3

Ok my problem was I was looking up redwork thinking it was the same.

I think there may only be two colours, and for the shading they have used progressively less strands. An interesting idea

I'm super excited! I spent all day hunting and finally tracked the pattern down to World of Cross stitching magazine #200, for anyone interested. Ended up just buying the digital copy @ 5.99 since I'm in the US.
I'm going to hopefully stitch this up in a few days for my friends birthday and adding a Frida Kahlo quote to it. (her fave).

Good thing I practiced some fill stitching last night, this stuff is eyeball numbing!!