Aetas Ferrea (The Iron Age)

c.1599

Antonio Tempesta

Associated Names
Antonio Tempesta

Artist, Florentine, 1555 - 1630

This is a drawing of a battle scene. The foreground shows mounted figures engaged in a skirmish. In the background, a town or village is under attack, with smoke and fire visible. Various animals like horses and cattle are present. The composition is detailed and intricate, conveying movement and energy. Text at the bottom adds context to the events depicted.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ruth and Jacob Kainen Memorial Acquisition Fund

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 33.2 × 22 cm (13 1/16 × 8 11/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2022.193.2

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Bartsch, 1802 - 1821, no. 1332, State i/iii

  • Series Title

    The Four Ages of the World [plate 4]

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Antiquarius srl, Rome); purchased 2023 by NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1802

  • Bartsch, Adam. Le peintre graveur. 21 vols. Vienna, 1802-1821: no. 1332, i/iii

Inscriptions

lower right in image: Anton. temp. florent. fec.; lower center in plate: AETAS FERREA; lower left in plate below image: Ferrea progenies duris caputi extultit antris / Invenhit haec mundo protinus omne nefas. / Horrida per cunctas errart incendia terras / et ferrus admissis Mars agitatur equis; lower right below image in plate: Victa iacet PIetas virtus Rectique decorum / Mox subeunt fraudes, vis, scelus Ardor opum

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