
Read the visual description
The image depicts a detailed drawing of three people from the shoulders up. The central figure faces right in profile, displaying distinct facial features such as wrinkles and a prominent nose, alongside curly hair and a head covering. They wear flowing garments with intricate linework. One hand rests on their chest. The person on the left faces front, with soft facial features, long flowing hair, and similar loose-fitting attire. Another figure on the right has curly hair, similar facial details, and matching attire. The background is textured with cross-hatched shading and lines, without specific objects or scenery.
National Gallery of Art · Drawing
Allegory of Age
Jacob Matham
- Medium
- pen and brown ink with brown wash on laid paper
- Dimensions
- overall: 20 x 15.9 cm (7 7/8 x 6 1/4 in.)
- Classification
- Drawing
- Accession number
- 1971.44.3
- Credit line
- Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
- Time span
- 1551 to 1600
- Department
- CG-E
Subjects and terms
- Dutch
- state of being
- allegory
- Old Age
Inscription
upper left in pen and brown ink: Matham [fe]; upper center verso in graphite: M. Talboys / Middlesex, Eng. 10/29/31
NGA object ID 52605. 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.