
Read the visual description
This is a drawing of an ornate frame with empty space in the center. The illustration depicts an intricately designed border surrounding an empty central area. The border includes decorative elements such as two small cherub-like figures at the bottom, one holding a cross and the other a shepherd's crook. Above them is a Latin inscription "TIMOR DNI," which translates to "Fear of the Lord." The top portion of the border features an eagle with outspread wings amidst architectural elements reminiscent of columns and pediments. Surrounding the frame are additional Latin words: "SCIENTIA," "FORTITUDO," "PIETAS," "SAPIENTIA," "INTELLECTUS," and "CONSILIUM," which translate to "Knowledge," "Fortitude," "Piety," "Wisdom," "Understanding," and "Counsel" respectively. The style of the drawing suggests influences of classical and baroque art periods, emphasized by the grandeur and detail in the architectural motifs and the allegorical figures.
National Gallery of Art · Print
Border Illustration with Two Putti "Scientia, Fortitvdo, Pietas, Timor-DNI, Sapientia, Intellectvs, Consilivm"
Cornelis Galle I
- Date
- 1613/1646
- Medium
- engraving on laid paper [proof before letters]
- Classification
- Accession number
- 1996.78.45
- 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
- architecture
- bird
- animal
- child
- portrait
- Writing
- 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 97209. 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.