Read the visual description
The image features three primary figures in a detailed engraving. The central figure is seated and partially draped with wings, holding a compass to a tablet or book. To the left, another figure is partially draped with wings showing, and to the right, a third figure is fully draped in robes. Two smaller winged cherubs are also present. The background includes architectural elements, trees, and foliage, all depicted in an engraved style, with decorative elements and inscriptions at the bottom.
National Gallery of Art · Print
Allegory of Intellect, Memory, and Will
Claude Mellan after Simon Vouet
- Date
- 1625
- Medium
- engraving on laid paper
- Dimensions
- sheet (cut within platemark): 54.3 x 37 cm (21 3/8 x 14 9/16 in.)
- Classification
- Accession number
- 2003.8.2
- Credit line
- Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
- Time span
- 1601 to 1650
- Department
- CG-E
Subjects and terms
- French
- allegory
- engraving
Provenance
P. Mariette, 1679 (Lugt 1788). Gust. Schulz (not in Lugt). (Lutz Riester, Freiburg); purchased 2002 by NGA.
Inscription
lower right in plate: Simon Vouet / Parisien pinxit / Cl. Mellan Gallus sculp. Romae 1625; lower center in plate: Intellectus et Memoria...Nescia consilij pectore facta bicors
Watermarks
bunch of grapes
NGA object ID 126615. 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.