ORThe Open Room
Digital gallery
Back to the NGA collection
The image depicts a scene with mythological figures. A central nude female figure holds a staff or spear, partially draped in a flowing garment. Other figures in flowing robes surround her, some sitting and others in conversation. Above them on clouds sit two regal figures holding symbols of power, with a cherub-like figure on a chariot drawn by swans. Subtle architectural elements in the background contribute to a classical atmosphere. The drawing features detailed line work emphasizing movement and expressions.
Read the visual description

The image depicts a scene with mythological figures. A central nude female figure holds a staff or spear, partially draped in a flowing garment. Other figures in flowing robes surround her, some sitting and others in conversation. Above them on clouds sit two regal figures holding symbols of power, with a cherub-like figure on a chariot drawn by swans. Subtle architectural elements in the background contribute to a classical atmosphere. The drawing features detailed line work emphasizing movement and expressions.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

Allegory of Minerva as the Head of the Muses

Hans Speckaert

Date
in or before 1575
Medium
pen and brown ink with brown wash over black chalk on laid paper
Dimensions
overall (approximate): 29.9 x 22.5 cm (11 3/4 x 8 7/8 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
1972.3.1
Credit line
Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Time span
1551 to 1600
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • Flemish
  • Minerva
  • classical
  • allegory
Provenance

C. G. Boerner

Inscription

in later hand, lower center verso in graphite: 8746 / RCZZ

Watermarks

Crowned eagle in a circle (close to Briquet 207, 209)

NGA object ID 53109. 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.