Imperfectorum Academia (Academy of the Imperfects)
1619
chalk
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
Artist
Claude Deruet
Claude Deruet (1588–1660) was an artist, born in Nancy.
See the richer artist page1619
chalk
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
Imperfectorum Academia (Academy of the Imperfects) is a 1619 chalk by Claude Deruet, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This drawing shows a group of figures holding up a giant, ornate shield. The shield is packed with tiny buildings, scrolls, and strange symbols—like a messy trophy. The figures look tired, some leaning on each other, while a woman on the right points upward like she’s explaining something. The shield’s banner reads *"Attenvanzo"* (which means "I’m trying" in Latin), and the whole scene is called *Imperfectorum Academia*—the "Academy of the Imperfects." It’s like a joke about never getting things right. Next, check out Baroque to see why artists loved dramatic, crowded scenes like this.
Claude Deruet (1588–1660) was an artist, born in Nancy.
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