Allegory of the Meeting of Pope Paul II and Emperor Frederick III

Deutsche Grafik 1460–1470, c. 1470

The image shows a complex composition of overlapping lines and shapes forming an abstract design. Two crowned figures are balancing on a large wheel, with one holding a scale. There are abstract elements resembling a medieval ship with a hull and oars, and architectural shapes like castles or fortresses on either side. Sun-like rays emanate from the top right. The scene conveys an allegorical depiction involving hierarchy and guidance, with human figures, symbols, and text.
Artist
Deutsche Grafik 1460–1470
Date
c. 1470
Type
Print
Medium
woodcut, hand-colored in green, red lake, yellow, tan, and orange on laid paper
Dimensions
41.3 × 29.2 cm
Collection
National Gallery of Art, Washington
Licence
Public domain, CC0

Image description

The image shows a complex composition of overlapping lines and shapes forming an abstract design. Two crowned figures are balancing on a large wheel, with one holding a scale. There are abstract elements resembling a medieval ship with a hull and oars, and architectural shapes like castles or fortresses on either side. Sun-like rays emanate from the top right. The scene conveys an allegorical depiction involving hierarchy and guidance, with human figures, symbols, and text.

Deutsche Grafik 1460–1470