Title Page

1603

Léonard Gaultier

Associated Names
Léonard Gaultier

Artist, French, 1561 - 1641

Jean Leclerc

Publisher, French, c. 1587 - 1633

This is a drawing of an ornate title page. The central content features text within an oval frame, surrounded by intricate decorative elements. The title reads "LE SACRE ZODIAQUE" and provides information about its division into twelve months related to religious festivals. This oval frame is adorned with swirling patterns and flanked by two allegorical figures; one figure embodies themes of spring, holding a branch with flowers, and the other figure embodies harvest or autumn, holding a sheaf of wheat and a cornucopia. Below the frame, on the left, a cherubic figure sits on a barrel accompanied by fruits, suggesting abundance or celebratory themes. On the right, an elderly figure with a long beard is shown warming himself by a small fire. Detailed engravings of floral and vine motifs accentuate the corners, contributing to the rich border design of this decorative and symbolic illustration.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    plate: 18.7 × 12.7 cm (7 3/8 × 5 in.)
    sheet: 28.9 × 20.4 cm (11 3/8 × 8 1/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2015.44.2

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    IFF (1600), no. 94-105

  • Series Title

    Le Sacré Zodiaque (The Sacred Zodiac Divided into Twelve Months)


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Paul Prouté, S. A., Paris); purchased 2014 by NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1939

  • IFF (1600), no. 94-105

Inscriptions

center in plate: Le Sacre/Zodiaque/Diuisé en douze Mois conte/nans les Festes mobiles & immo/biles solennisees en l'Eglise/par la remarque des jours/Inuention nouvelle en faueur du public/Avec/Privilege du Roy; lower center in plate: A Paris/Chex Jean le Clerc/ruë S. Jean de latran/a la Salemendre/Royalle./L. Gaultier fecit. 1603.

Wikidata ID

Q77016068

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