
Read the visual description
This is a drawing of a decorative border surrounding a blank rectangular space. The drawing features an ornate frame design with mythical and celestial figures on each side of the rectangle. At the top of the composition, there is a figure emerging from clouds with outstretched arms, positioned centrally. Flanking the rectangle are two figures; one is on the left standing on a crescent moon, accompanied by floral elements, and the other on the right appears to be standing atop clouds, surrounded by a radiant aura. At the bottom of the design, the initials "MRA" are featured prominently, with swirling serpentine shapes and more floral elements. Overall, this drawing has a classical and baroque style, rich with allegorical symbols.
National Gallery of Art · Print
Border Illustration with God the Father, Two Saints, and a Serpent
Netherlandish 17th Century
- Date
- 1613/1646
- Medium
- engraving on laid paper [proof before letters]
- Classification
- Accession number
- 1996.78.36
- Credit line
- William B. O'Neal Fund
- Time span
- 1601 to 1650
- Department
- CG-E
Portfolio and series
- Series
- [Album of Engravings] [volume]
Subjects and terms
- Netherlandish
- Flower
- Woman
- Snake
- Man
- Cloud
Provenance
Sir Edward Astley (1729-1802), Norfolk (Lugt 2774 on plate 14); Frank Linsly James (book plate dated 1881); (sale, London, Christie's, 26 June 1996, lot 206); purchased (via Artemis [David Carritt Limited]) by NGA, 1996.
NGA object ID 97200. 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.