Envy

Jacques Callot

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of an allegorical figure of a mythical creature. The creature appears humanoid with lean limbs and a tangle of snake-like appendages as hair. Its mouth is partly open, with one hand gripping a serpentine figure that extends outward. Draped around its body is a torn fabric that billows as if blown by the wind. Accompanying the creature is a small dog-like animal with an elongated body and fierce expression. The scene conveys a sense of motion and narrative. The word "Invidia" is inscribed below.