Floor plan

Time and placeThe 17th century

The 17th century

This is a drawing of a busy street scene with architectural structures and various figures. It depicts a large open area bordered by a grand building to the left and a rounded tower or structure to the right. The left side of the scene is lined with stairs leading up to an elevated walkway or platform, where people are gathered. In the middle and to the right, a crowd has formed, encompassing the space in front of the tower. Various individuals, some wearing distinctive headgear, are seen mingling and gesturing. The architectural details in the background, such as the windows and brickwork of the tower, frame the scene below. A hand-operated apparatus extends from the tower, possibly for lifting goods or supplies. The drawing captures a dynamic urban moment.
Merrymakers at Shrovetide, by Frans Hals, ca. 1616–17
Saint Peter Repentant, by Georges de La Tour, 1645
Perseus and the Origin of Coral, by Claude Lorrain (Claude Gellée), ca. 1671
A Genoese Lady with Her Child, by Anthony van Dyck, c. 1623–25
Papers with Japanese text hang from a tree bearing red and gold leaves.

The works in this room are listed below.

Works in this room

Works made in the 17th century, anywhere in the world.

Section 1, north wall

  1. This is a drawing of a busy street scene with architectural structures and various figures. It depicts a large open area bordered by a grand building to the left and a rounded tower or structure to the right. The left side of the scene is lined with stairs leading up to an elevated walkway or platform, where people are gathered. In the middle and to the right, a crowd has formed, encompassing the space in front of the tower. Various individuals, some wearing distinctive headgear, are seen mingling and gesturing. The architectural details in the background, such as the windows and brickwork of the tower, frame the scene below. A hand-operated apparatus extends from the tower, possibly for lifting goods or supplies. The drawing captures a dynamic urban moment.
    The Slave MarketJacques Callot, 1620Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. Merrymakers at Shrovetide, by Frans Hals, ca. 1616–17
    Merrymakers at ShrovetideFrans Hals, ca. 1616–17Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  3. Saint Peter Repentant, by Georges de La Tour, 1645
    Saint Peter RepentantGeorges de La Tour, 1645Courtesy of the Cleveland Museum of Art
  4. Perseus and the Origin of Coral, by Claude Lorrain (Claude Gellée), ca. 1671
    Perseus and the Origin of CoralClaude Lorrain (Claude Gellée), ca. 1671Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Section 1, south wall

  1. A Genoese Lady with Her Child, by Anthony van Dyck, c. 1623–25
    A Genoese Lady with Her ChildAnthony van Dyck, c. 1623–25Courtesy of the Cleveland Museum of Art
  2. Papers with Japanese text hang from a tree bearing red and gold leaves.
    Flowering Cherry and Autumn Maples with Poem SlipsTosa Mitsuoki, 1654/81Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago

Section 2, south wall

  1. Hanging scroll
    The palaces and gate towers of PenglaiZhu Dan, 1683Courtesy of the National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution
  2. Album of Seasonal Landscapes, Leaf C (previous leaf 6), by Xiao Yuncong, 1668
    Album of Seasonal Landscapes, Leaf C (previous leaf 6)Xiao Yuncong, 1668Courtesy of the Cleveland Museum of Art
  3. A work made of woodblock print in black ink and watercolor on cream japanese paper.
    The Priest Kobo Daishi at the Tama River in Kii Province from the series The Six Tama RiversTorii Kiyomasu, c. 1725-1735Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago
  4. A work made of etching in black ink on cream laid paper.
    A Young Woman Holding a CushionMonogrammist VCP, 1643Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago

Section 2, north wall

  1. A work made of pen and brown ink and brush and brown wash, over black and red chalk, heightened with white opaque watercolor, on joined sheets of laid paper, mounted to paperboard.
    Allegory of the Elevation of Cardinal Deacon Oddone Colonna to the Papal Chair as Pope Martin VBenedetto Luti, 1700Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago
  2. The image shows a drawing of three figures. The central figure is seated, leaning slightly forward with one arm outstretched towards the standing figures. They have short, slightly messy hair, traditional clothing, and muscular limbs. The standing figures on the right are partially obscured but appear to interact with the seated figure. One of them is extending their arm towards the seated figure. The individuals wear layered clothing, with one wearing a head covering. The background is simple, emphasizing the interaction between the figures. The drawing style is classical or historical, using ink and wash for texture and depth.
    Youth Sitting on a Wall in Conversation with Two MenSalvator Rosa, c. 1656/1657Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  3. A work made of etching in black on cream laid paper.
    Saint Jerome and a Pope with Two Putti (Saint Jerome and Pope Damasus)Jacopo Palma il Giovane, c. 1611Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago
  4. The Annunciation (folio 15 recto), from a Mirror of Holiness (Mir’at al-quds) of Father Jerome Xavier, 1602–4
    The Annunciation (folio 15 recto), from a Mirror of Holiness (Mir’at al-quds) of Father Jerome XavierUnrecorded Indian maker, 1602–4Courtesy of the Cleveland Museum of Art

Section 3, north wall

  1. A work made of watercolor and opaque watercolor on cream laid paper.
    Megasoma Elephas or Megaceras Jason and Six Other InsectsPieter Holsteyn, the younger, 1640/80Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago
  2. Drawing of god, radiating light, reaching down from clouds, touching male figure.
    The Creation of AdamGiovanni Benedetto Castiglione, c. 1645/50Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago