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.
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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
Print
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.