Allegory on Copulation [verso]

fourth quarter 15th century

Italian 15th Century

Associated Names
This is a print showing a man and a woman intertwined on the left edge of a long table. The people are partially clothed and pressed tightly against each other, the man holding the woman's bottom, and the woman's legs raised up under the man's arms. The woman has long, flowing hair and what looks like a tiara on her head, and the man's curling hair is tied with a strip of fabric around his head. A curling banner emerges from the edge of the table next to them and curves up the left side of the print. On the right, a creature is stepping up onto the table, using a stool. The creature appears to have the legs and tail of a lion and the body and wings of a bird, but its head and upper torso resemble a large penis. A bell appears to hang from the creature. The material that the print is on is a mottled copper color, with areas of yellow, orange, and dark blue discoloration.

Media Options

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

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraved copper plate

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall: 15 x 22.4 cm (5 7/8 x 8 13/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1948.11.11.b

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hind 'Engravings', Vol. 8, p.260, no. 30

Associated Artworks

It is a drawing showing three individuals engaged in various activities. The left figure is focused on an object in hand with stick-like objects protruding from a round shape at their feet. A smaller form, possibly a child, is leaning against them. In the center, another figure is holding a vertical, spindle-like object and seems to be spinning or weaving. Their feet are partially visible, showing strands of material extending towards a basket filled with tools or materials. To the right, a third figure sits on a barrel holding a musical instrument resembling a bagpipe. The scene is set against a plain background with a stylized, linear engraving technique.

Various Occupations [recto]

Italian 15th Century

1475


Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

2000

  • The Fantastic in Renaissance Prints and Drawings, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2000.

Bibliography

1938

  • Hind, Arthur M. Early Italian Engraving; a critical catalogue with complete reproductions of all the prints described. 7 vols. London: Bernard Quaritch Ltd., 1938-1948.

Inscriptions

recto: none; verso: engraved in plate, at left, in banderole, in reverse: PVRINEGA TIE DVRO

Wikidata ID

Q63570818

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