Academy of the Most Noble Art of Painting

A detailed allegorical engraving represents the theory and practice of Art. Central to the composition is a partially nude female figure, personifying Painting or Art, seated and draped in heavy robes. She is surrounded by several figures: to her left, a putto supports a large drawing board; behind her, a group of women, possibly Muses, watch her intently. To her right, an elderly bearded man in classical attire points towards a stone tablet held by a younger man. The tablet lists the fundamental principles of art in Latin. In the foreground, a monkey, symbolizing the concept that "Art is the ape of nature," sits holding a theater mask and an artist's palette with brushes. On the ground lie mathematical and architectural tools, including a compass, a ruler, and several large books. One book is open, and a classical bust of a man lies near it. The background features grand classical architecture with statues of figures, possibly representing other liberal arts, standing in elevated niches. Signatures appear at the bottom edge: "Joach: de Sandrart inventor" on the left and "R. Collin Calc. Reg. sculps. Brux. 1681" on the right.

Delineation original: Delineatio
Proportion original: Proportio
Emotion original: Affectus
Idea original: Idea
Color original: Color
Painting original: Pinctura
Imitation of Nature original: Imitat Nat.

Joachim de Sandrart, inventor.

Richard Collin, Royal Engraver, sculpted at Brussels, 1681.