Artwork Page for Allegory of Life

Details / Information for Allegory of Life

Allegory of Life

1561

Giorgio Ghisi

(Italian, 1520–1582)
Culture
Italy, 16th century
Medium
engraving
Support
Cream(3) laid paper, mounted to laid paper, with an approximately 2.5 cm. wide strip of laid paper applied to each of the four edges (over edges of primary support)
Measurements
Image: 38.1 x 54.4 cm (15 x 21 7/16 in.); Secondary Support: 43.1 x 59.4 cm (16 15/16 x 23 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 1985.37
Catalogue raisonné
Lewis&Boorsch 28 iia/vi
State
iia/vi
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

Ghisi was trained in the creation of luxury metalwork, specifically armor, informing his highly skilled and complex engraving of the copperplate used to make this print.

Description

This engraving presents a complex allegory whose complete meaning remains unclear, although the plaques at the feet of the man and woman may provide one clue. The inscriptions come from the sixth book of Virgil’s Aeneid: "He who sits unfortunate will sit forever," and "Do not yield to adversities, but go out to meet them bravely." The print’s details do not correspond directly to any episode from Virgil, although book six, in which Aeneas descends into the underworld, is an allegory of human life. A similar theme could be suggested here, communicating an essentially hopeful message of overcoming tribulation.
A horizontally oriented engraving in black ink depicts a surreal landscape. On the left, a bearded man in robes leans over a rock. In the foreground, a wrecked boat floats in turbulent water. To the right, a woman in classical dress holds a staff beside palm trees with winged children. Between them, lions and mythical beasts roam. The background features a tiered tower atop a jagged mountain under a rainbow and a spiraling celestial path.

Allegory of Life

1561

Giorgio Ghisi

(Italian, 1520–1582)
Italy, 16th century

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