Artwork

"Do Not Have Swallows under the Same Roof" [fol. 40 recto]

"Do Not Have Swallows under the Same Roof" [fol. 40 recto], by French early 16th Century, ink, 1513
"Do Not Have Swallows under the Same Roof" [fol. 40 recto], by French early 16th Century, ink, 1513

"Do Not Have Swallows under the Same Roof" [fol. 40 recto] is an ink drawing by the Renaissance artist French early 16th Century. It dates from 1513 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

This drawing, titled 'Do Not Have Swallows under the Same Roof', is a pen and brown ink with watercolor work on laid paper, dated to folio 40 recto. It depicts a detailed scene of a hooded figure in a doorway, interacting with birds and holding a tray with a prominently colored object.

Subject & Meaning

The subject revolves around a cloaked man standing in an arched doorway, holding a tray with a red and blue object that attracts the attention of three large, long-necked birds with red legs. The scene may allegorically caution against cohabiting with conflicting elements, as suggested by the title and the contrast between the birds at the door and those flying above the roof.

Technique & Style

The artwork showcases meticulous detail through pen and brown ink, enhanced with watercolor. The level of intricacy, from the textured robe with indistinct writing to the animated birds and surrounding flora and fauna, suggests a style that values precision and layered visual storytelling, potentially aligning with the observational and symbolic tendencies of Renaissance-era art.

History & Provenance

Specific historical and provenance details for 'Do Not Have Swallows under the Same Roof' are not provided, though its style and medium suggest a creation period that could coincide with the Renaissance, a time of flourishing artistic innovation in Europe.

Context

While direct contextual information is limited, the piece's themes and style might place it within a tradition of symbolic or allegorical artworks common during the Renaissance, where objects and animals often carried deeper meanings. The mention of swallows in the title further emphasizes a cautionary or proverbial message.

Legacy

The legacy of this specific drawing is not detailed in the provided information. However, artworks of similar style and period have contributed to the broader appreciation of Renaissance techniques and the evolution of symbolic expression in art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of French early 16th Century

Artist

French early 16th Century

A French draftsman from the early 1500s filled sheets of laid paper with tiny, sharp-tongued instructions—ink sketches paired with warnings like “Do Not Eat Your Heart Out” or “Feed Not Things That Have Sharp Claws.”…

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.