Envy or Famine (Invidia), no. 4 in a set of 4 allegorical figures
Engraving with an allegorical figure of Envy or Famine, last in a set of four, representing peace, abundance, war, and famine. The print represents an old, naked woman, sitting in front of a dead tree, evoking the idea of sterility, and presenting a contrast with the figure of Abundance in this set. She holds a branch in her right hand and, using her left hand, she holds another branch next to her mouth. To her right side is a plate containing the last pieces of a child's body, cut into pieces. At her feet is a dead body, the skin having decomposed to reveal the skeleton in it and, on the right, two dogs, possibly symbolizing envy or a hint of hope. Death, natural consequence of war and famine, appears in a cloud on the upper part of the print, and blows a wind over this scene of desolation.
Artwork Details
- Title: Envy or Famine (Invidia), no. 4 in a set of 4 allegorical figures
- Artist: Etienne Delaune (French, Orléans 1518/19–1583 Strasbourg)
- Date: 1575 (?)
- Medium: Engraving
- Dimensions: Sheet (trimmed): 2 3/16 × 3 1/8 in. (5.5 × 8 cm)
- Classifications: Prints, Ornament & Architecture
- Credit Line: Gift of Junius S. Morgan, 1919
- Object Number: 19.52.35
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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