
Read the visual description
This is a painting of an allegorical scene in the style of a Renaissance artist. It is rich in detail, with figures representing various virtues and vices. The scene is divided into sections, with each figure holding a banner inscribed with Latin text. On the left side is a crucifixion scene with figures labeled as virtues such as "Oblivio," "Charitas," and "Vindicta." The right side features figures symbolizing vices or traits like “Crudelitas,” “Voluptas,” and “Cupiditas.” In the center, there is an enthroned figure with a banner reading "Principis Clementis," possibly symbolizing clemency or justice. A flaming central figure holds a shield-like item. The overall composition is reminiscent of manuscript illustrations portraying moral lessons or religious stories through allegorical figures.
National Gallery of Art · Drawing
"Obliterate the Trace of the Pot in the Ashes" [fol. 32 verso / 33 recto]
French early 16th Century
- Date
- c. 1512/1515
- Medium
- pen and brown ink with watercolor, heightened with gold on laid paper
- Dimensions
- overall: 16.4 x 21.6 cm (6 7/16 x 8 1/2 in.)
- Classification
- Drawing
- Accession number
- 2006.11.39
- Credit line
- Woodner Collection, Gift of Andrea Woodner
- Time span
- 1501 to 1550
- Department
- CG-E
Portfolio and series
- Series
- Speculum principis (Mirror for Princes)
Subjects and terms
- French
- Seated figure
- Crucifixion
- Fire
- Figures
- Writing
Provenance
(Sale, London, Sotheby's, 13 July 1937, lot 64); (sale, London, Sotheby's, 15-17 November 1937, lot 546); (sale, London, Maggs Bros., Ltd., catalogue 709, 1941, no. 30); (purchased by William H. Schab Gallery via Paul Graupe); purchased by Ian Woodner, New York, by 1973; by inheritance to his daughters, Andrea and Dian Woodner, New York, 1990.
Inscription
various notations overall
NGA object ID 86059. 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.