Artwork

Allegory of Age

Allegory of Age, by Jacob Matham, ink, 1601
Allegory of Age, by Jacob Matham, ink, 1601

Allegory of Age is an ink drawing by the Renaissance artist Jacob Matham. It dates from 1601 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:upper left in pen and brown ink: Matham [fe]; upper center verso in graphite: M. Talboys / Middlesex, Eng. 10/29/31

About this work

Overview

Allegory of Age is a drawing created by Jacob Matham in 1601 using pen and brown ink with brown wash on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a haloed figure with a crown, bent and leaning on a staff, conveying a sense of age and weariness. The figure's wrinkled face and tired demeanor suggest a symbolic representation of old age.

Technique & Style

Matham employed layered lines and wash to achieve depth and shading, utilizing the texture of the laid paper to inform his composition. The use of cross-hatching and layered lines creates a sense of volume and dimensionality.

Head of a Man in a Cap
Head of a Man in a Cap, Unknown

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jacob Matham

Artist

Jacob Matham

Jacob Matham (1571–1631) was a Dutch artist, born in Haarlem.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Allegory of Age?

Allegory of Age was painted by Jacob Matham in 1601.

Where can I see Allegory of Age?

Allegory of Age is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Allegory of Age?

Allegory of Age is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Allegory of Age?

Museum-quality prints of Allegory of Age are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.