Artwork
Allegory of Age
Allegory of Age is an ink drawing by the Renaissance artist Jacob Matham. It dates from 1601 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Allegory of Age is a drawing created by Jacob Matham in 1601 using pen and brown ink with brown wash on laid paper.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a haloed figure with a crown, bent and leaning on a staff, conveying a sense of age and weariness. The figure's wrinkled face and tired demeanor suggest a symbolic representation of old age.
Technique & Style
Matham employed layered lines and wash to achieve depth and shading, utilizing the texture of the laid paper to inform his composition. The use of cross-hatching and layered lines creates a sense of volume and dimensionality.
Artist & collection
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