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This is an image of an elaborate allegorical scene. It is a highly detailed engraving depicting a complex narrative through its figures and symbols. At the center of the image, a large reclining figure is intertwined with a donkey-like creature, surrounded by various other symbolic figures and objects. Above them, a cherubic figure stands on clouds holding scales in each hand. To the sides, ornately dressed figures accompany the central scene, some holding masks or theatrical attributes. In the upper part, cherubic figures ride on creatures resembling mythical beings. The scene is framed with cloud formations and rich textures. The lower part includes a book with an inscription in Latin. This engraving reflects a Baroque style in its dramatic intensity, intricate details, and allegorical themes.
National Gallery of Art · Print
Allegory of the Marriage of Emperor Ferdinand II and Eleanor Gonzaga
Aegidius Sadeler II
- Medium
- engraving on laid paper
- Dimensions
- sheet: 34.7 x 23.9 cm (13 11/16 x 9 7/16 in.) (trimmed to plate mark)
- Classification
- Accession number
- 2012.92.651
- Credit line
- Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen
- Time span
- 1551 to 1600
- Department
- CG-E
Subjects and terms
- Angel
- Man
- Figures
- Monster
- Writing
Provenance
(C. & J. Goodfriend, New York); Ruth Kainen, Washington, D.C., purchased November 4, 2004; Gift to NGA, 2012.
Inscription
in image, at centre right: SPQR; in image, at bottom centre: NON ERANT ET / ERANT IN FATO / CONIVNCTI; below image: Artificis magni quid tandem, operisque minister / Astra Iouemque puer quid speculate darbis? / Vel potius quid uos dabitis sub uterque magistro / Atque Deo duce? qua mole laborat opus? Hic Latium certe est: Haec Romae terra creandae est: / Hinc puerûm primum ducitur auspicium. / Sed prius auspicium hoc duci multó ante uidetur / Urbi Legitimi dentur ut HI DOMINI; below image, at bottom left: CUM PRIVIL: S. C. Mtis; below image, at bottom right: Marco Sadeler excudit
NGA object ID 154308. 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.