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This is a drawing of a mythological scene with classical figures and cherubs. The artwork features a dense and complex composition with numerous cherubs scattered throughout the scene. At the center, several classical figures are depicted in flowing garments, surrounded by a landscape of large trees and a stone structure. There is a winged creature resembling a griffin, hovering atop a cloud. The scene exudes an ethereal atmosphere, intricate with detailed linework, capturing a sense of movement and drama typical of a baroque style.
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This is a drawing of a mythological scene with classical figures and cherubs. The artwork features a dense and complex composition with numerous cherubs scattered throughout the scene. At the center, several classical figures are depicted in flowing garments, surrounded by a landscape of large trees and a stone structure. There is a winged creature resembling a griffin, hovering atop a cloud. The scene exudes an ethereal atmosphere, intricate with detailed linework, capturing a sense of movement and drama typical of a baroque style.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Allegory in Honor of the Arrival of Cardinal Franciotti as Bishop of Lucca

Pietro Testa

Date
1637
Medium
etching with burnished tone on laid paper
Dimensions
plate: 40.3 × 30.3 cm (15 7/8 × 11 15/16 in.) sheet: 41 × 30.9 cm (16 1/8 × 12 3/16 in.)
Classification
Print
Accession number
2022.68.3
Credit line
Ruth and Jacob Kainen Memorial Acquisition Fund
Time span
1601 to 1650
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record
Provenance

(James A. Bergquist, Newton Centre, MA); purchased 2022 by NGA.

Inscription

by later hand in graphite on verso: Pietro Testa / cette piece est une des plus rares de / l'oeuvre de le maitre / Bartisch No. 30 / Piece allegorie [not deciphered] sur l'arrivie d'un Cardinal de Rome / gravé par Pietr Testa 1er Etat--B XX f 224 --No. 30 5165; lower center verso in blue pencil: 449

NGA object ID 224149. 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.