Allegory of Conception or Allegory of Redemption

1783

Pierre Lelu, after Giorgio Vasari

Associated Names
Pierre Lelu

Artist, French, 1741 - 1810

Giorgio Vasari

Artist After, Florentine, 1511 - 1574

The image shows a group of figures in various poses. At the top, a central figure is seated and surrounded by cherubic figures with wings. The central figure has soft facial features, wavy hair, and wears flowing clothing. The cherubs are depicted in dynamic poses. Below, numerous men are shown in classical robes, some seated, others standing or reclining. They are gesturing upwards towards the central figure. The background consists of swirling clouds and rays of light, while the lower portion shows sparse foliage. The scene appears to depict a narrative.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and aquatint printed in red-brown on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Pepita Milmore Memorial Fund

  • Dimensions

    plate: 56.4 × 37.5 cm (22 3/16 × 14 3/4 in.)
    sheet: 58.4 × 43.1 cm (23 × 16 15/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2018.91.46

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Baudicour no. 73, State ii or iii/iv

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(James A. Bergquist, Newton Centre, MA); purchased 2018 by NGA.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2021

  • Aquatint: From Its Origins to Goya, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2021 - 2022.

Bibliography

1859

  • Baudicour, Prosper de. Le peintre-graveur français continue, ou catalogue raisonné des estampes gravees par les peintres et les dessinateurs de l'ecole française nes dans le XVIIIe siècle. 2 vols. Paris, 1859-1861.

1930

  • Baudicour, Prosper de. Le peintre-graveur français continue, ou catalogue raisonné des estampes gravees par les peintres et les dessinateurs de l'ecole française nes dans le XVIIIe siècle. 2 vols. Paris, 1859-1861: no. 59, unknown state

2021

  • Hoisington, Rena. Aquatint: From Its Origins to Goya. Washington, 2021: 59, fig. 10.

Inscriptions

In plate, in image, at lower right: P Lélu fecit 1783 [in reverse]; in plate, below image, at left: Giorgio da Rezzo inv Pietro Lélu Sculp. 1783

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