Aër (Air)

Adriaen Collaert

National Gallery of Art

This drawing features an allegorical figure in a classical landscape. The central male figure is sitting on a cloud, holding a chameleon in one hand and gesturing towards the environment with the other. His hair resembles clouds. Surrounding him are four infant-like figures blowing air. The scene is set within an oval border, and beyond it are various landscapes. Birds are flying across the sky. Below, mythological events are depicted in a forested mountainous landscape with a river. Latin text decorates the bottom. The artwork's intricate detailing and rich classical style evoke a Baroque influence, with an emphasis on dynamic composition and allegorical symbolism.