Portrait of the Duke of Alva, from a Series of Tazza Designs

Theodor de Bry Netherlandish
ca. 1588
Not on view
In the central medallion, a portrait of the Duke of Alva as Commander of Folly, shown in profile, facing left dressed in armor, with the inverted head of jester hanging from his neck. The medallion is framed by circular ornamental frieze with a variety of scenes depicting vomitting, defecating, and fornicating human figures and monkeys. From a series of four designs for ornamented tazza, or drinking vessels.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Portrait of the Duke of Alva, from a Series of Tazza Designs
  • Artist: Theodor de Bry (Netherlandish, Liège 1528–1598 Frankfurt)
  • Date: ca. 1588
  • Medium: Engraving
  • Dimensions: Sheet: 5 3/16 × 4 15/16 in. (13.2 × 12.6 cm)
  • Classifications: Prints, Ornament & Architecture
  • Credit Line: The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1951
  • Object Number: 51.501.5790(2)
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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