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1 of 253523 objects
After Pietro Testa (1607/11-50)
An allegory of Winter c. 1644-1700
Pen and brown ink with black wash | 48.2 x 34.2 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 905941
After Pietro Testa (1607/11-50)
An allegory of Winter c. 1644-1700
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Together with RCIN 905943, this drawing forms a copy after Testa's etching (Bartsch 39): a bearded man, representing the mature genius of the artist, struggles upwards to escape the grasp of Envy pulling at his feet. The figure of Virtue supports him, whilst holding aloft the laurel of immortal fame. The figure asleep on the ground represents capitulation to the world of sensory pleasures. In the background a group of monkeys climb upon one another to reach a flask of wine at the top of a makeshift trophy pole.
Provenance
Probably acquired by George III in 1762 as part of the collection of Cardinal Alessandro Albani; first recorded in a Royal Collection inventory of c.1800-1820 (Inv. A, p. 127: 'Various Compositions drawn with a Pen by Pietro Testa, many of them etched by himself')
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Creator(s)
Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Pen and brown ink with black wash
Measurements
48.2 x 34.2 cm (sheet of paper)
Object type(s)
Other number(s)
RL 5941Alternative title(s)
Winter
