Decorative composition for feasts, with an allegory of Fame (?) or Peace
XVII century. Ink, Grey-brown wash on dark yellow paper.Not on display
At the top of a flight of stairs leading to an exedra or semi-circular Doric portico, an allegorical female figure, crowned with leaves, clasps the hand of another slightly bowed figure. Behind them, a sculpted Cupid is depicted on a high pedestal. On the lower steps, another allegorical female figure, also crowned, descends with an olive branch in her hand. At her feet, a dog as well as a child holding a cornucopia appear seated. On either side, there are standing figures which have been almost completely erased. Above, a garland and flying cupids can be perceived.
The allegorical tone of what has been depicted and the nostalgia of mock architecture tie the drawing to the Madrid tradition, from Mitelli and Colonna to Claudio Coello and Jiménez Donoso. It is undoubtedly a drawing produced for royal feasts.
Pérez Sánchez, Alfonso E., Catálogo de Dibujos. Vol. I. Dibujos españoles siglos XV-XVII, Madrid, Museo del Prado, 1972, p.126-127
