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This is a drawing of a battle scene. The foreground shows mounted figures engaged in a skirmish. In the background, a town or village is under attack, with smoke and fire visible. Various animals like horses and cattle are present. The composition is detailed and intricate, conveying movement and energy. Text at the bottom adds context to the events depicted.
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This is a drawing of a battle scene. The foreground shows mounted figures engaged in a skirmish. In the background, a town or village is under attack, with smoke and fire visible. Various animals like horses and cattle are present. The composition is detailed and intricate, conveying movement and energy. Text at the bottom adds context to the events depicted.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Aetas Ferrea (The Iron Age)

Antonio Tempesta

Date
c.1599
Medium
etching on laid paper
Dimensions
sheet: 33.2 × 22 cm (13 1/16 × 8 11/16 in.)
Classification
Print
Accession number
2022.193.2
Credit line
Ruth and Jacob Kainen Memorial Acquisition Fund
Time span
1551 to 1600
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record

Portfolio and series

Series
The Four Ages of the World [plate 4]
Provenance

(Antiquarius srl, Rome); purchased 2023 by NGA.

Inscription

lower right in image: Anton. temp. florent. fec.; lower center in plate: AETAS FERREA; lower left in plate below image: Ferrea progenies duris caputi extultit antris / Invenhit haec mundo protinus omne nefas. / Horrida per cunctas errart incendia terras / et ferrus admissis Mars agitatur equis; lower right below image in plate: Victa iacet PIetas virtus Rectique decorum / Mox subeunt fraudes, vis, scelus Ardor opum

NGA object ID 225640. 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.