Title Page for Franciscus van Haer, Annales Ducum seu Principum Brabantiae, III

Lucas Emil Vorsterman after Sir Peter Paul Rubens

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of an elaborate title page. The drawing features a decorative architectural frame resembling a classical facade with two classical statues positioned on either side of a central inscription panel. The statues are dressed in flowing garments, each actively engaged in revealing the text. At the top of the page is a bust of a historical figure. Below the text panel, a collection of mythical creatures, serpentine in form, and various symbolic objects like armor and musical instruments are depicted, adding dramatic and symbolic elements to the composition.