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This is an illustration of a heraldic composition featuring mythological figures and decorative elements. The scene includes two large, muscular male figures on either side of a central coat of arms. One figure is dressed in a draped garment and holds a club. The coat of arms is ornate with curving lines, a crowned top, and surrounded by symbols such as fleurs-de-lis. Cherubic figures are depicted around the base engaging with decorative scrollwork, each displaying intricate detailing and expressive poses. Large columns with floral designs support the structure, adding to its grandeur. The illustration is monochromatic with sepia tones, conveying an ancient and elegant feel.
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This is an illustration of a heraldic composition featuring mythological figures and decorative elements. The scene includes two large, muscular male figures on either side of a central coat of arms. One figure is dressed in a draped garment and holds a club. The coat of arms is ornate with curving lines, a crowned top, and surrounded by symbols such as fleurs-de-lis. Cherubic figures are depicted around the base engaging with decorative scrollwork, each displaying intricate detailing and expressive poses. Large columns with floral designs support the structure, adding to its grandeur. The illustration is monochromatic with sepia tones, conveying an ancient and elegant feel.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

An Architectural Wall Design in Honor of Henry IV, the Gallic Hercules

Antonio Tempesta or Agostino Ciampelli

Date
c. 1600
Medium
pen and brown ink with brown wash over graphite on laid paper
Dimensions
overall: 33.2 x 46.6 cm (13 1/16 x 18 3/8 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
1996.73.1
Credit line
Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Time span
1551 to 1600
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • Florentine
  • detail and ornament
  • architecture
  • Henry IV
Provenance

H. Baderou, 1965; (Bernard Houthakker, Amsterdam (Lugt undesc)); purchased by NGA, 1996.

Inscription

by later hand, lower center verso in pen and brown ink: Annibale Carracci; by later hand, lower right verso in graphite: Primaticcio

NGA object ID 95660. 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.