Title Page to Epistolae Hoephanae, by James Howel

Frederik Hendrik van den Hove after William Marshall

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of various historical and allegorical figures with inscriptions. The central section features the title "Epistolæ Ho Elianæ Familiar Letters Domestic & Forren Historical. Political. Phylosophical." To the left and right are portraits of Roman figures, C.C. Cæsar, M. Tul. Cicero, M. Avrelius, and L. Annæus Seneca in octagonal frames. Above, two allegorical figures labeled "Phylosophia" and "Historia" are depicted. In the lower central portrait, a figure with the phrase "Sub mole resurgo" surrounds them. The layout forms a composition combining classical antiquity, allegory, and authorial identity.