Artwork

The Triumph of Empire, with the Four Continents

The Triumph of Empire, with the Four Continents, by Alessandro Mauro, ink, 1730
The Triumph of Empire, with the Four Continents, by Alessandro Mauro, ink, 1730

The Triumph of Empire, with the Four Continents is an ink drawing by the Baroque artist Alessandro Mauro. It dates from 1730 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Triumph of Empire, with the Four Continents is a drawing created by Alessandro Mauro around 1730. It is executed in pen and brown ink with brown and gray washes over black chalk on laid paper.

Technique & Style

The drawing features intricate details and dynamic composition, characterized by swirling shapes and numerous figures. The use of brown and gray washes, combined with dark lines, creates a predominantly muted color palette.

Subject & Meaning

The scene depicts a complex allegory, with winged creatures holding a banner at the top and a busy procession of people and animals below. A central empty space, possibly representing a map or sky, is surrounded by ornate scrolls and decorations.

Artist & collection

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