Allegory of the Marriage of Emperor Ferdinand II and Eleanor Gonzaga

Aegidius Sadeler II

Associated Names
Aegidius Sadeler II

Artist, Flemish, c. 1570 - 1629

Marcus Christoph Sadeler

Publisher, Flemish, 1614 - 1650

This is an image of an elaborate allegorical scene. It is a highly detailed engraving depicting a complex narrative through its figures and symbols. At the center of the image, a large reclining figure is intertwined with a donkey-like creature, surrounded by various other symbolic figures and objects. Above them, a cherubic figure stands on clouds holding scales in each hand. To the sides, ornately dressed figures accompany the central scene, some holding masks or theatrical attributes. In the upper part, cherubic figures ride on creatures resembling mythical beings. The scene is framed with cloud formations and rich textures. The lower part includes a book with an inscription in Latin. This engraving reflects a Baroque style in its dramatic intensity, intricate details, and allegorical themes.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 34.7 x 23.9 cm (13 11/16 x 9 7/16 in.) (trimmed to plate mark)

  • Accession Number

    2012.92.651

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein, no. 120, State ii/ii

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(C. & J. Goodfriend, New York); Ruth Kainen, Washington, D.C., purchased November 4, 2004; Gift to NGA, 2012.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. Vols. I-XV, XVIII, XIX. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, no. 120, ii/ii

Inscriptions

in image, at centre right: SPQR; in image, at bottom centre: NON ERANT ET / ERANT IN FATO / CONIVNCTI; below image: Artificis magni quid tandem, operisque minister / Astra Iouemque puer quid speculate darbis? / Vel potius quid uos dabitis sub uterque magistro / Atque Deo duce? qua mole laborat opus? Hic Latium certe est: Haec Romae terra creandae est: / Hinc puerûm primum ducitur auspicium. / Sed prius auspicium hoc duci multó ante uidetur / Urbi Legitimi dentur ut HI DOMINI; below image, at bottom left: CUM PRIVIL: S. C. Mtis; below image, at bottom right: Marco Sadeler excudit

Wikidata ID

Q76557584

You may be interested in

Loading Results