Allegorical Subject: Two-headed Imperial Eagle on Clouds; On Ground, a Draped Figure, a King and a Figure of Fame c. 16th century

This 16th-century drawing, created by an anonymous artist, depicts an allegorical scene featuring a two-headed Imperial Eagle on clouds. Below, three figures, including a king, stand on a platform with ornate details. The work’s elaborate composition and the use of classical imagery suggest a connection to the Habsburg dynasty, who often employed the two-headed eagle as a symbol of their power and authority. The inclusion of a figure of Fame further emphasizes the concept of imperial glory and the artist’s skillful use of pen and ink creates a sense of movement and depth in the drawing. This work is held in the collection of The Art Institute of Chicago.