Allegorical Homage to an Architect (?) 1655 - 1723

Alessandro Gherardini created this allegorical drawing sometime in the late 17th or early 18th century. Dominating the composition is an angel, likely representing Fame, holding a portrait aloft, while a figure below gazes upwards in admiration; a putto studies architectural plans. This drawing is rich in classical motifs. Consider the laurel wreath encircling the portrait, a symbol of triumph and immortality since ancient Greece. We see its recurrence throughout history, from Roman emperors to Renaissance poets, each time invoking the eternal glory of the subject. Note the architectural plans; they are not mere blueprints but symbols of creation and order. This recalls the Tower of Babel. Gherardini’s sketch becomes more than just a tribute; it embodies the psychological drive to immortalize achievements and the deep-seated human desire to be remembered. These are the emotional and psychological elements that engage us, transcending time and culture through the power of enduring images.