Virtus Combusta: An Allegory of Virtue

About this work

This engraving depicts a somber scene with multiple figures, some nude and others clothed. A man stands in the center, wearing a horned headpiece, while a woman with a blindfold and a crown sits to his right. Another woman, also nude, stands behind him, holding a staff. The figures are set against a dark background, with some objects scattered around them. The engraving features a range of textures and details, from the intricate folds of the clothing to the smooth skin of the nude figures. The use of cross-hatching creates a sense of depth and dimensionality, drawing the viewer's eye into the scene. The Renaissance movement was known for its emphasis on classical themes and techniques, and this engraving is a prime example of that style. To learn more about the artist behind this work, look up Mantegna, Andrea.