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This is a detailed drawing of a classical scene with mythological themes. The image shows various figures engaged in different activities with architectural elements and mythical creatures included. The central figure is surrounded by other characters in dynamic poses, set within a classical architectural backdrop. Horses and chariots fill the sky while the lower part of the image contains intricate symbols and text. The drawing is rich in symbolism and detail, reminiscent of Renaissance or Baroque allegorical artworks.
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This is a detailed drawing of a classical scene with mythological themes. The image shows various figures engaged in different activities with architectural elements and mythical creatures included. The central figure is surrounded by other characters in dynamic poses, set within a classical architectural backdrop. Horses and chariots fill the sky while the lower part of the image contains intricate symbols and text. The drawing is rich in symbolism and detail, reminiscent of Renaissance or Baroque allegorical artworks.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Allegory of Love

School of Marcantonio Raimondi, after Baccio Bandinelli(?)

Date
c. 1540
Medium
engraving on laid paper
Dimensions
sheet: 38.9 × 47.2 cm (15 5/16 × 18 9/16 in.) mount: 49.2 × 57.2 cm (19 3/8 × 22 1/2 in.)
Classification
Print
Accession number
2016.47.1
Credit line
Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Time span
1501 to 1550
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • allegory
  • engraving
Provenance

(Kunsthandlung Helmut H. Rumbler, Franfurt am Main); purchased 2015 by NGA.

Inscription

in three cartouches at bottom of image: S'io porro in man d'Amor l'alto ucssitto, / Et ogn'bor colmo il ciel distrida ardenti... / ... Mi perse a dadi, col Fanciullo Amor; Mia madre che del giocho bauca trufstullo / Anzi del raio gran stratio, et del martoro, ... / ... Caminciò a stare i dadi per la mensa; Allo incontro Amor pose icori et l'alme / I ratti da i corpi d'altri affliti amanci... / ...Obi lingue peni alme et braccia et cori; by later hand, upper margin in brown ink: 96.; by later hand, center verso in red chalk: 259

Watermarks

anchor in a circle with a six pointed star

NGA object ID 205257. 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.