Allegory
Allegory
GIORGIO GHISI (1520-82)
Allegory of Life, or The Dream of Raphael
dated 1561Engraving | 37.6 x 53.8 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 851979
An engraving widely known as 'The Dream of Raphael', or 'Allegory of Life'. Signed and dated on the boat in the centre: 1561. At lower right are the collectors' marks of Jonathan Richardson Senior (Lugt 2184) and Joannes Michiel Rysbrack (Lugt 1912).
The subject of this print is a matter of dispute, and the author of the design is also unclear. An inscription lettered on a small tablet at lower left credits Raphael as the inventor of the composition, but scholars are unanimous in rejecting this view. For further discussion, see Bibliographic References. A late state with addresses of Harman Adolffz and Johannes Meyssens (not described in Bartsch) at RCIN 851980.
The subject of this print is a matter of dispute, and the author of the design is also unclear. An inscription lettered on a small tablet at lower left credits Raphael as the inventor of the composition, but scholars are unanimous in rejecting this view. For further discussion, see Bibliographic References. A late state with addresses of Harman Adolffz and Johannes Meyssens (not described in Bartsch) at RCIN 851980.
Creator(s)
Giorgio Ghisi (1520-82) (engraver)
37.6 x 53.8 cm (sheet of paper)
Added to the Prince Consort's Raphael Collection (c.1853-76)
Subject(s)
- Philosophy & Psychology
- Philosophy
- Allegory
- Philosophy
- Philosophy & Psychology
Bibliographic reference(s)
pp.114-20 (The engravings of Giorgio Ghisi / introduction and entries by Suzanne Boorsch : catalogue raisonné by Michal and R.E. Lewis. )