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This is a drawing of a scene with various human figures, landscapes, and putti. The artwork is densely populated with figures in a pastoral setting. In the upper part of the image, a group of putti is depicted amidst lush foliage from a tall tree. The scene is framed with trees on both sides, and the composition suggests depth with the land extending into the background. The foreground features an assembly of individuals, including seated and standing figures engaging with one another, some gesturing. Different activities are occurring in different sections, suggesting multiple interactions. The cross-hatching technique and careful line work give the drawing dimension and texture.
National Gallery of Art · Print
Allegory of Painting
Italian 17th Century, after Pietro Testa
- Date
- 1637/1638
- Medium
- etching
- Dimensions
- sheet (trimmed to border line): 25.9 x 32.4 cm (10 3/16 x 12 3/4 in.)
- Classification
- Accession number
- 1972.66.46
- Credit line
- Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
- Time span
- 1601 to 1650
- Department
- CG-E
Subjects and terms
- Italian
- Woman
- Tree
- child
- portrait
- Man
- Figures
NGA object ID 53504. 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.