concept

Women representing architecture and astronomy. Coloured stipple engraving by J. Chapman, 1803, after R. Corbould.

Left, a woman personifying science instructing her children in how to use a microscope; a woman personifying truth reveals the scene to Father Time. Mezzotint after T.S. Duché, 1787.

A woman performing chemical experiments with a furnace: representing chemistry. Etching by E-J-N. de Ghendt after C-N. Cochin the younger, 1773.

An old woman with a flower; representing the sense of smell. Mezzotint by A.H.J. Degmair after P.A. Wille.

The god Apollo holding his bow and an arrow. Engraving by E. Delaune, ca. 1560.

A female allegorical figure of theory guiding a boy towards a nude female figure representing Nature, who is revealed by the winged figure of painting. Crayon manner print by J.B. Lucien, 1795, after P.T. Le Clerc.

The three theological virtues: Faith enthroned in the middle; Charity on the left, and Hope on the right. Aquatint.

Britannia and her lion are begging on a bench on the Thames Embankment, impoverished by proposed Liberal reforms; beyond, the Palace of Westminster in ruins. Colour lithograph by Tom Merry, 28 November 1891.

A man rises from behind a gravestone as a skeleton in a shroud attempts to keep it closed. Etching by J. Haynes after J. Mortimer.

Cupid presides over a group of naked women who sit separated from groups of yearning men; symbolising the passion of love. Etching by J. Audran after C. Gillot.

A harvesting scene representing summer. Etching by N. Perelle, 17th century.

The Eucharist venerated by Saint Bonaventure and Saint Anthony of Padua; surrounded by related symbols, texts and doctrines. Etching by F. Villamena, 1598, after Antonio Tempesta.

A man and a woman in a vineyard in autumn; representing the benefits of the fiftieth year of life. Engraving by Conrad Meyer, 16--.

Saint Augustine of Hippo. Line engraving by P. de Jode the younger after E. Quellinus after J. Mantelius.

A woman writing a book held by Time is assisted by Mercury and three winged boys holding a portrait of Queen Anne and a map of Britain; representing the history of Britain. Etching by M. Pool.

Galleries and Reading Room

Library

Shop

Café

We’re undertaking some research with website visitors to learn more about how people find access-related information provided by museums. This survey shouldn't take longer than 10 minutes to complete. Thank you for your time!

Help us organize our website content.

Allegorical prints

Images

Catalogue

A harvesting scene representing summer. Etching by N. Perelle, 17th century.

The Eucharist venerated by Saint Bonaventure and Saint Anthony of Padua; surrounded by related symbols, texts and doctrines. Etching by F. Villamena, 1598, after Antonio Tempesta.

A man and a woman in a vineyard in autumn; representing the benefits of the fiftieth year of life. Engraving by Conrad Meyer, 16--.

Saint Augustine of Hippo. Line engraving by P. de Jode the younger after E. Quellinus after J. Mantelius.

A woman writing a book held by Time is assisted by Mercury and three winged boys holding a portrait of Queen Anne and a map of Britain; representing the history of Britain. Etching by M. Pool.