Ornament Panel: Triton Ridden by a Child

Giovanni Pietro Birago and Zoan Andrea

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of an intricate vertical ornamental design. The drawing consists of ornate and classical motifs arranged in a symmetrical pattern. At the top of the image, there is a decorative heraldic shield surrounded by scrollwork and leaf-like patterns. Below the shield, a cherub-like figure with wings is depicted, holding what seem to be staffs or spears. Further down, the design incorporates a central urn or vase adorned with floral elements and flanked by intricate foliage. Additionally, there are two human figures at the bottom, one holding a large snake, the other holding a spear, set against a background of acanthus leaves and classical design elements. The entire composition is black and white.