Artwork
Alliance of Peace and Abundance
Alliance of Peace and Abundance is a print by the Baroque artist Bartolommeo Coriolano. It dates from 1627 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The work presents two draped figures standing close together, one holding a leafy branch while the other rests a hand on the first’s shoulder.
Bartolommeo Coriolano’s 1627 print titled Alliance of Peace and Abundance is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection. The work presents two draped figures standing close together, one holding a leafy branch while the other rests a hand on the first’s shoulder. The composition is set against a minimal background of faint ground and clouds, emphasizing the interaction between the two figures.
Subject & Meaning
The two figures convey a sense of calm cooperation, suggesting a symbolic partnership between peace and plenty. The branch with leaves can be read as a traditional emblem of abundance, while the gentle touch on the shoulder implies mutual support. Together, the pair embody an allegorical union that reflects the title’s promise of harmonious prosperity.
Technique & Style
Coriolano employs etching with careful chiaroscuro shading to model the folds of the robes and the contours of the bodies. The gradations of tone create a soft three‑dimensionality, giving the drapery a fluid quality. The restrained background allows the light to focus on the figures, enhancing the sense of intimacy and balance.
History & Provenance
Created in 1627, the print entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the mid‑20th century, though earlier ownership records are sparse. Its presence in a major American institution highlights the continued interest in Italian printmaking of the early Baroque period.
Context
Coriolano worked in a period when allegorical prints were popular for disseminating moral and philosophical ideas. The composition reflects the broader Baroque interest in dynamic yet harmonious arrangements, while the use of chiaroscuro aligns with contemporary experiments in light and shadow pioneered by artists such as Caravaggio.
Artist & collection
Artist
Bartolommeo Coriolano was an Italian printmaker during the Baroque period, mainly in colour woodcuts.
