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This is a drawing of an ornate frame with angelic figures and symbolic imagery. The central feature is an undecorated rectangular space surrounded by an elaborate border. Flanking this space are two winged figures, one on each side, each holding a vertical staff topped respectively with a ship and a cross-keys symbol. Above them, two cherubs are leaning into the frame from clouds, amidst rays of light. At the bottom of the image, the scene transitions into a pastoral landscape with vegetation.
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This is a drawing of an ornate frame with angelic figures and symbolic imagery. The central feature is an undecorated rectangular space surrounded by an elaborate border. Flanking this space are two winged figures, one on each side, each holding a vertical staff topped respectively with a ship and a cross-keys symbol. Above them, two cherubs are leaning into the frame from clouds, amidst rays of light. At the bottom of the image, the scene transitions into a pastoral landscape with vegetation.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Border Illustration with the Ascension of Christ, Keys and Fish

Netherlandish 17th Century

Date
1613/1646
Medium
engraving on laid paper [proof before letters]
Classification
Print
Accession number
1996.78.41
Credit line
William B. O'Neal Fund
Time span
1601 to 1650
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Portfolio and series

Series
[Album of Engravings] [volume]

Subjects and terms

  • Angel
  • Netherlandish
  • fish
  • animal
  • Boat
  • Cherub
  • Frame
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 97205. 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.