Border Illustration with God the Father, Two Saints, and a Serpent

Netherlandish 17th Century

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a decorative border surrounding a blank rectangular space. The drawing features an ornate frame design with mythical and celestial figures on each side of the rectangle. At the top of the composition, there is a figure emerging from clouds with outstretched arms, positioned centrally. Flanking the rectangle are two figures; one is on the left standing on a crescent moon, accompanied by floral elements, and the other on the right appears to be standing atop clouds, surrounded by a radiant aura. At the bottom of the design, the initials "MRA" are featured prominently, with swirling serpentine shapes and more floral elements. Overall, this drawing has a classical and baroque style, rich with allegorical symbols.