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An Allegorical Figure: Virtutis Praemium

Cherubino Alberti

1628

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque Allegory

Dominant colour

An Allegorical Figure: Virtutis Praemium is a 1628 ink by Cherubino Alberti, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Cherubino Alberti
When & what style?: 1628 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This print shows a winged figure floating in a swirling, cloud-like shape. The figure has curly hair, a soft face, and holds a long staff with one hand while the other rests on its hip. Its wings spread wide, with detailed feathers that look almost alive. The background is filled with light, wavy lines that give a sense of movement, and the whole scene is in black and white. The title at the bottom, *Virtutis Praemium*, means "Reward of Virtue" in Latin, hinting this figure might symbolize something bigger than just its looks. The artist used fine lines to create texture, especially in the feathers and clouds. Next, check out the technique: etching to see how artists like this made detailed prints.