An Allegory of Truth and Falsehood (verso)

1835/1845

Fortunato Duranti

Associated Names
Fortunato Duranti

Artist, Italian, 1787 - 1863

This is a drawing of a group of figures gathered around a mountain with a temple built into it. The image depicts multiple figures clustered in groups, some in motion or engaged in activity. In the background, a large mountain rises with a temple-like structure at its base. At the mountain's peak, a figure is depicted in a seated position, gesturing or addressing the assembly below. The drawing utilizes a monochromatic palette of browns and blacks, creating a somber and dramatic effect. The lines are loose and sketchy, conveying movement and energy. The figures appear to be interacting with each other, some bending or kneeling, while others are standing.

Media Options

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

Artwork overview

Associated Artworks

This is a drawing of various figures, a structure, and expressive cloud formations. The scene is dense with lines and shading, depicting a multitude of figures engaged in activity. In the background, there is a classical structure, and the clouds above contain forms and figures. The drawing is marked by vigorous, swirling lines that create an impression of movement and energy.

Falsehood Is the Cause of All Evil (recto); An Allegory of Truth and Falsehood (verso)

Fortunato Duranti

1835


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Wolfgang Ratjen, Munich; purchased 2007 by NGA.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2011

  • Italian Master Drawings from the Wolfgang Ratjen Collection, 1525-1835, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2011, no. 65.

Inscriptions

across bottom, brown ink: la bugia e causa di tutti mali; on tablet, brown ink: vert/ciorno; on verso, along bottom in brown ink: la bugia e la verita combattano insieme la bugia arde il Savio avole [?] il mantello e nega larsura via; on book in brown ink: ochi/A/anco

Wikidata ID

Q64562122

You may be interested in

Loading Results