Imperfectorum Academia (Academy of the Imperfects) c. 1619

"Imperfectorum Academia (Academy of the Imperfects)" is a pen and wash drawing by French artist Claude Déruet, created around 1619. The work depicts a heraldic composition featuring two female figures seated on either side of a central coat of arms. The figures are likely allegorical representations of virtues or intellectual pursuits, while the coat of arms suggests a specific patron or institution. The work's intricate details and dynamic composition showcase Déruet's mastery of line and wash techniques, typical of the Baroque period. The drawing likely served as a design for a larger project, potentially a print or a decorative element in a larger artwork. The work is a fine example of Déruet's talent in blending artistic skill with symbolic meaning, reflecting the intellectual and artistic currents of his time.