This is a drawing of a scene with two central figures and various mythical creatures throughout. The central figure on the left is draped in flowing robes near a gnarled tree, amidst a landscape with exotic animals and mythical beasts like dragons and unicorns. To the right, a warrior-like figure stands under a palm tree holding a spear. The background contains a cityscape including buildings, bridges, and paths. Swirling clouds and water add to the atmosphere, with tiny cherub-like figures in the upper sections.
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This is a drawing of a scene with two central figures and various mythical creatures throughout. The central figure on the left is draped in flowing robes near a gnarled tree, amidst a landscape with exotic animals and mythical beasts like dragons and unicorns. To the right, a warrior-like figure stands under a palm tree holding a spear. The background contains a cityscape including buildings, bridges, and paths. Swirling clouds and water add to the atmosphere, with tiny cherub-like figures in the upper sections.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Allegory of Life

Giorgio Ghisi

Date
1561
Medium
engraving on laid paper
Dimensions
overall: 38 x 54.1 cm (14 15/16 x 21 5/16 in.)
Classification
Print
Accession number
1943.3.9075
Credit line
Rosenwald Collection
Time span
1551 to 1600
Department
CG-E

Subjects and terms

  • Italian
  • Woman
  • engraving
  • Tree
  • Costume
  • animal
  • Man
Inscription

lower center in plate in tablet in boat: GIORGIVS GHISI MAT .F 1.5.6.1.; upper left verso in graphite: 4575; lower left verso in graphite: 4575

Marks

NGA collector's mark with L.R.

NGA object ID 11583. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.