deem-data/ArtiFact huggingface dataset:
Portret van Henri de Thiard de Bissy
Object type: print
Date: 1719 – 1719
Materials: paper
Techniques: engraving
Artist: martin bernigeroth
Artist role: print maker
Artist dates: 1670 – 1733
Subjects: paris, archbishop, bishop, etc. (roman catholic), historical persons
Inscriptions: collector's mark: Lugt 2228, collector's mark: Lugt 2760

Prent uit: Die Europäische Fama, welche den gegenwärtigen Zustand der vornehmsten Höfe entdecket. S.l.s.n., 1719, dl. 227.
Ceramic stove on cast-iron firebox (one of a pair)
Object type: stove
Date: 1773 – 1773
Materials: earthenware, gilt
Techniques: glazing
Jaer
Object type: print
Date: 1830 – 1899
Materials: paper
Techniques: etching
Artist: alexander schaepkens
Artist role: draughtsman, print maker
Artist dates: 1815 – 1899
Subjects: city-view, and landscape with man-made constructions, bridge, maastricht
Inscriptions: collector's mark: Lugt 2228
Mlle. Verdier, from the Actresses series (N203) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co.
Object type: photograph
Date: 1889 – 1889
Techniques: color lithograph
Artist: william s. kimball & company
Artist role: publisher
Subjects: portraits,women,actresses

Trade cards from the "Actresses" series (N203), issued in 1889 by Wm. S. Kimball & Co.
Gezelschap op een stenen trap, vermoedelijk in Zuid-Frankrijk
Object type: photograph
Date: 1931 – 1931
Materials: photographic support
Techniques: gelatin silver print
Location: southern france
Artist: Anonymous
Subjects: adult woman, sloping street; street with steps or stairs, adult man

Onderdeel van Fotoalbum met opnames van vakanties in Zuid-Frankrijk.
In Germany: Let's pack up everything, caution is the mother of wit, from 'News of the day,' published in Le Charivari, May 28, 1866
Object type: print
Materials: paper
Techniques: lithograph
Artist: honoré daumier
Artist role: artist
Artist nationality: french
Artist dates: 1808 – 1879
Subjects: men,smoking,working
Portret van Algernon Sidney Esqr.
Object type: print
Date: 1660 – 1723
Materials: paper
Techniques: etching
Artist: edward lutterell
Artist role: print maker
Artist dates: 1650 – 1723
Subjects: london, politician, historical persons, diplomacy, diplomat
Inscriptions: collector's mark: Lugt 2228
Follis (Coin) Portraying Emperor Constantine II as Caesar
Object type: coin
Date: 333 – 335
Materials: bronze, metal, silver
Culture: roman or egyptian
Location: alexandria
Inscriptions: Obverse: CONSTANTINVS IVN NOB C
Reverse: GLORIA EXERCITVS
In Exergue: SMALA

The front of this coin portrays the emperor Constantine II, facing right wearing a crown of laurels and a type of breastplate called a cuirass.
On the back, two soldiers are depicted frontally, standing between two vertical standards with their heads facing center.
Maria van Hongarije doet te Brussel afstand van de voogdij over de Nederlanden, ten gunst van Filips, erfprins van Spanje, rekenpenning van de munt van Holland te Dordrecht
Object type: jeton
Date: 1555 – 1555
Materials: copper
Techniques: striking
Location: dordrecht
Artist: Anonymous
Subjects: philip ii of spain, brussels, maria van hongarije (landvoogdes der nederlanden), dordrecht, low countries

Koperen penning. Voorzijde: gevleugelde Overwinning met lauwerkrans in rechter- en palmtak in linkerhand binnen omschrift. Keerzijde: wapenschild in cartouche binnen omschrift
Plak van de Drie Steden, 1575
Object type: coin
Date: 1575 – 1575
Materials: silver
Techniques: striking
Location: deventer

Koper-zilveren munt. Voorzijde: Wapenschild van Deventer op lang kruis. Jaartal 75 in omschrift. Keerzijde: wapenschildjes van de Drie Steden, in het centrum cijfer I.
Roerbak of hollander
Object type: photomechanical print
Date: 1887 – 1892
Materials: paper
Techniques: printing block
Subjects: paper (writing material)
Fragment of a Dish
Object type: fragment of a dish
Date: 901 – 1200
Materials: glass
Techniques: cutting
Location: egypt or syria
Chalice Cover
Object type: textile
Date: 1867 – 1900
Materials: linen
Techniques: treatment, embroidery, lace, weave, stitching
Location: italy
Jérusalem, Mosquée d'Omar, côté Ouest, Intérieur de l'enceinte
Object type: photograph
Date: 1854 – 1854
Techniques: paper negative, salted paper print
Artist: auguste salzmann
Artist role: artist
Artist nationality: french
Artist dates: 1824 – 1872
Subjects: architecture,mosques,ruins
Jack McGeachey, Center Field, Indianapolis, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes
Object type: baseball card, photograph
Date: 1889 – 1889
Techniques: albumen silver print
Artist: goodwin & company
Artist role: publisher
Artist dates: 1850 – 1950
Subjects: men,portraits,baseball,athletes

The "Old Judge" series of baseball cards (N172) was issued by Goodwin & Company from 1887 to 1890 to promote Old Judge Cigarettes.
Portret van een koning van Napels
Object type: print
Date: 1822 – 1883
Materials: paper
Techniques: engraving
Location: amsterdam
Artist: rombertus julianus van arum
Artist role: print maker
Artist dates: 1812 – 1883
Inscriptions: collector's mark: Lugt 2228

Portret van een koning van Napels. In de ondermarge zijn titel.
Young woman stepping out of a boat
Object type: print
Techniques: woodblock print
Location: japan
Artist: utagawa toyohiro
Artist role: artist
Artist nationality: japanese
Artist dates: 1773 – 1828
Hairpin Point
Object type: hairpin
Date: 200 – 500
Materials: copper alloy
Culture: roman
Scherf uit het wrak van de Oost-Indiëvaarder 't Vliegend Hart
Object type: sherd
Materials: glaze, stoneware
Location: netherlands
Subjects: 't vliegend hart (schip), verenigde oostindische compagnie

Licht gebogen scherf, buiten bruin gespikkeld, binnen loodgrijs. Stoneware.
Double Bell
Object type: double bell
Date: 1867 – 1900
Materials: iron
Culture: cameroonian
Location: cameroon

This double bell is played by striking it with a wood beater and produces two pitches a fourth apart. Single and double bells made from forged iron are widespread in West Africa and have many different names. Agogo, a term used by the Yoruba and other Nigerian peoples, is also found in Afro-Caribbean cultures. The bells are sounded to send messages, make announcements, and perform divination. The bell's timbre is varied by letting it ring freely or by damping it against the chest. Handheld clapperless bells are struck on the outer surface, providing the player with the control needed to articulate many complex rhythmic patterns common in African music. One bell pattern is a timeline rhythm, a pattern that is the most unchanging and constant in the ensemble; it acts as a reference pulse for other instruments. The timeline rhythm may be associated with an event, a dance, a person, or a deity and changes to meet the particular circumstance. Other instruments, including drums, may beat this rhythm, but bells, with their penetrating timbre, can be heard above the dense textures of an ensemble. Clapperless bells are usually struck with a wooden stick; their tone is changed by striking near the open end or in the center or is muffled by pressing the bells against the player's body or the ground. Techniques producing tonal variety may be performed in rapid succession, giving the bell pattern a melodic, as well as rhythmic, character. Next to drums, bells are the most frequently used instruments and are essential to rhythmic stability.
Coin Portraying Emperor Valerian (?)
Object type: coin
Date: 253 – 260
Materials: bronze, copper alloy, metal
Culture: roman
Location: roman empire
Het militair muzijk dat het gehoor steeds streelt / Is hier met al zijn glans natuurlijk afgebeeld
Object type: popular print
Date: 1831 – 1854
Materials: paper
Techniques: colour, letterpress printing
Location: amsterdam
Artist: Anonymous
Subjects: military band, warfare; military affairs (+ cavalry, horsemen), the soldier; the soldier's life
Inscriptions: collector's mark: Lugt 2760

Blad met 3 horizontale rijen met voorstellingen van militaire muzikanten en militairen te paard. Onder elke rij een vierregelig vers in twee kolommen.
Oosters tapijt
Object type: prayer rug
Date: 1800 – 1815
Materials: wool
Location: kula
Artist: Anonymous

Oosters tapijt, bidkleed, van geknoopte wol, versierd met een okergele mihrab, met een lage witgetande trapgevel. In de top hangt een lamp. Twee zuilen opgetrokken uit bloemenslingers. Rondom drie randen en vier zomen.
Huis Kostverloren
Object type: print
Date: 1612 – 1652
Materials: paper
Techniques: etching
Location: amsterdam
Artist: claes jansz. visscher (ii)
Artist role: draughtsman, print maker, publisher
Artist dates: 1586 – 1652
Subjects: landscapes, villa, fisherman, dog
Inscriptions: number: ‘2’, title: ‘Kostverloren’, collector's mark: Lugt 2228

Gezicht op Huis Kostverloren nabij Amsterdam, waarnaast een lage boerderij. Op de voorgrond een visser en een vrouw, leunend op haar stok, met een hond. Rechts zit een figuur aan de waterkant.
Caricatured Chilean figure, 1 Escudo, from the series Coins of All Nations (N72, variation 1) for Duke brand cigarettes
Object type: print
Date: 1889 – 1889
Techniques: color lithograph
Artist: w. duke, sons & co.
Artist role: publisher
Artist nationality: american
Artist dates: 1870 – 1920
Subjects: men,coins

Trade cards from the "Coins of All Nations" (N72), issued in a set of 50 cards in 1889 to promote W. Duke Sons & Co. brand cigarettes. There are two variations within the series. Version one (variation 1) maintains a white background on the cards and the second version (variation 2) displays a shaded background.
Lilly Baretter, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes
Object type: photograph
Date: 1888 – 1888
Techniques: albumen silver print
Artist: allen & ginter
Artist role: publisher
Artist nationality: american
Subjects: portraits,women,actresses

Trade cards from the "Actors and Actresses" series (N45, Type 1), issued ca. 1888 by Allen & Ginter to promote Virginia Brights, Dixie, Our Little Beauties and Opera Puffs Cigarettes.
Mijnwerkers-staking in Engeland
Object type: cartoon
Date: 1912 – 1912
Materials: paper
Techniques: lithograph
Location: netherlands
Artist: johan braakensiek
Artist role: draughtsman, print maker
Artist dates: 1858 – 1940
Subjects: shafts and galleries (of a mine), political caricatures and satires

Gepubliceerd als bijvoegsel bij 'De Amsterdammer' van 10 maart 1912.
Breakfast after the Bath
Object type: drawing and watercolor
Date: 1895 – 1898
Materials: board, cardboard, paper, pastel
Location: france
Artist: edgar degas
Artist role: artist
Artist nationality: french
Artist dates: 1834 – 1917
Subjects: women, work, domestic scenes, everyday life (genre), water
Textile fragment with repeating pattern of irregularly shaped cloud-edged vignettes containing two human figures and maple leaves
Object type: fragment
Date: 1701 – 1900
Materials: silk
Culture: japanese
Subjects: human figures
Fort Sedgwick
Object type: photograph
Date: 1864 – 1864
Techniques: albumen silver print, glass negative
Artist: timothy h. o'sullivan
Artist role: artist
Artist nationality: american, born ireland
Artist dates: 1840 – 1882
Subjects: fortification,american civil war
Voorgevel van de Basiliek van Sant'Apollinare Nuovo te Ravenna
Object type: photograph
Date: 1875 – 1900
Materials: cardboard, photographic support
Techniques: albumen print
Location: ravenna
Subjects: tower, clock tower ~ monumental adornment, church (exterior), façade (of house or building)
Inscriptions: number: ‘P.e 2.a N.o 18055.’, collector's mark: Lugt 3937, annotation:
Het Nassau-huis in Neurenberg
Object type: cabinet photograph
Date: 1863 – 1898
Materials: cardboard, photographic support
Techniques: albumen print
Location: nuremberg
Subjects: housing
Inscriptions: number: ‘5.’
Portret van schilder Ismael Mengs
Object type: print
Date: 1740 – 1808
Materials: paper
Techniques: engraving
Location: italy
Subjects: copenhagen (city), painter, ismael mengs, historical persons, portrait, self-portrait of artist
Inscriptions: collector's mark: Lugt 2228

Naar een geschilderd zelfportret door Mengs.
Vier foto's van zeilboten en een meer
Object type: album leaf
Date: 1932 – 1932
Materials: paper
Techniques: gelatin silver print
Location: netherlands
Artist: hendrik herman van den berg
Artist role: amateurfotograaf, jurist
Artist dates: 1875 – 1944
Subjects: sailing-ship, sailing-boat, lake, netherlands

Deze foto's maken deel uit van een album.
De Heilige Familie
Object type: print
Date: 1864 – 1864
Materials: paper
Techniques: engraving, etching
Location: netherlands
Artist: petrus johannes arendzen
Artist role: draughtsman, print maker
Artist dates: 1846 – 1932
Subjects: holy family (alone), 'trinitas terrestris'
Inscriptions: inscription: ‘PJ Arendzen 1. April 1864’
Pedestal
Object type: pedestal
Date: 1601 – 1800
Materials: wood, gilt bronze
Album met ontwerpen voor religieuze en profane voorwerpen
Object type: prentrecueil, prentenalbum, prentalbum
Date: 1817 – 1817
Materials: paper
Techniques: bookbinding, etching
Location: milan
Artist: pietro ruga
Artist role: print maker
Inscriptions: date

Album met een titelprent en 100 etsen van verschillende meubels, vaatwerk, spiegels etc. en ornamentdecoraties. De prenten zijn samengebonden in een omslag van blauw papier. De voorzijde is bedrukt met een titelpagina. De achterzijde bevat een gedrukte fondslijst met titels van architectonische boeken.
Miniature goblet
Object type: goblet
Date: 1701 – 1900
Materials: glass
Piece
Object type: piece
Date: 1750 – 1760
Materials: metal thread, silk
Subjects: roses,leaves
Egoyomi voor het jaar van de slang
Object type: egoyomi kalenderblad
Date: 1797 – 1797
Materials: paper
Techniques: woodcut
Location: japan
Artist: Anonymous
Subjects: mother and child(ren), woman and child(ren) (family group), ball games in which ball is hit with racket (or hand)
Inscriptions: collector's mark: Lugt 2228

Vrouw en meisje spelen met pluimbal en slagplankjes. De nummers van de lange maanden zijn zichtbaar op de obi van de vrouw.
Nieuwjaarswens voor 1953 van Rudolf Emond Hanrath
Object type: new year card
Date: 1952 – 1952
Materials: paper
Techniques: scratchboard
Artist: rudolf emond hanrath
Artist role: print maker
Subjects: rudolf emond hanrath, small group of musicians, chamber orchestra, jazz band, adult woman, city-view in general; 'veduta'
Inscriptions: workshop stamp: ‘R.E. Hanrath schaaftekening’

Samengestelde afbeelding van diverse figuren en gebouwen met daarin verwerkt het jaartal 1953 en de woorden: 'Chaos? Hanrath'. Daaronder de tekst: '1953 weer een chaos? Dat het dan een vrolijke worde wenst Ruud Hanrath'.
Modellen van beeldhouwwerken voor een prijsvraag uitgeschreven door het Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, 1880
Object type: reproduction
Date: 1880 – 1887
Materials: cardboard, paper
Techniques: albumen print
Artist: Anonymous
Subjects: piece of sculpture, reproduction of a piece of sculpture, angels
Inscriptions: inscription: ‘103/ 74’, inscription: ‘E. Pfeiffer’, collector's mark: Lugt 2228
Side chair
Object type: side chair
Date: 1775 – 1800
Materials: wood
Culture: american
Location: united states
Artist: michael smith
Artist role: maker
Artist nationality: american
Artist dates: 1736 – 1836
Portret van Leo Tolstoj
Object type: photomechanical print
Date: 1905 – 1906
Materials: paper
Techniques: photograph
Artist: Anonymous
Subjects: lev tolstoj, historical persons, portrait of a writer
Inscriptions: inscription: ‘No. 6./ Tolstoy.’

Deze prent maakt deel uit van een album.
Terracotta fragment of a kylix (drinking cup)
Object type: kylix fragment
Date: 500 – 476
Materials: terracotta
Culture: greek, attic

Interior, part of an inscription, [KA]LO[S]?, retr.
Box
Object type: box
Date: 1701 – 1800
Materials: cardboard, paper, silk, fiber
Techniques: lining
Subjects: flowers

The decoration of this hinged box consists of straw flowers in low relief, which have been adhered to a silk ground. Traces of the original color show that the straw was once very colorful.
Musicerend gezelschap op bordes
Object type: print
Date: 1679 – 1728
Materials: paper
Techniques: engraving, etching
Location: amsterdam
Subjects: private festivities, merry company, small group of musicians, chamber orchestra, jazz band - cc - 'concert champêtre'
Inscriptions: collector's mark: Lugt 240

Musicerend gezelschap op bordes: links een vrouw spelend op een toetsinstrument en naast haar een vrouw spelend op een viola da gamba. Rechts een man en vrouw bij een tafel, elkaar omhelzend.
Prentgeschenk voor de jeugd om den ABC al spelende te leeren / Alphabet illustré
Object type: print
Date: 1800 – 1833
Materials: paper
Techniques: colour, letterpress printing
Location: turnhout
Subjects: letters, alphabet, script, bad behaviour, good behaviour
Inscriptions: collector's mark: Lugt 2760

Blad met 25 voorstellingen van het alphabet met deugden en ondeugden van de jeugd. Onder elke voorstelling een tweeregelig vers in het Nederlands en in het Frans. Genummerd midden boven: N. 111.
De heilige Bernardinus van Siena brengt een kind tot leven
Object type: print
Date: 1599 – 1640
Materials: paper
Techniques: etching
Location: siena
Subjects: bernardino of siena, franciscan friar; possible attributes: book, tablet (disk) with ihs monogram, three mitres at his feet - miraculous activities and events ~ male saint, bernardino of siena, franciscan friar; possible attributes: book, tablet (disk) with ihs monogram, three mitres at his feet
Inscriptions: collector's mark: Lugt 240, number: ‘78’

Links zicht in een slaapkamer met een overleden meisje in bed, Tobia Tolomesi, de nicht van de heilige Bernardinus van Siena. Rondom het bed staan familie en geestelijken. Aan het voeteneinde staat de heilige Bernardinus van Siena die het meisje weer tot leven wekt. Rechts zicht in een kerk waar de heilige Bernardinus van Siena preekt voor een menigte gelovigen. Tekst in ondermarge
Pfeffer, 2nd Base, Chicago, from the Gold Coin series (N284) for Gold Coin Chewing Tobacco
Object type: baseball card
Date: 1887 – 1887
Techniques: color lithograph, drawing
Artist: d. buchner & co., new york
Artist role: publisher
Artist nationality: american
Artist dates: 1850 – 1900
Subjects: men,baseball,athletes

(Fred) Pfeffer, 2nd Base, Chicago, trade card from the "Gold Coin" series (N284), issued by D. Buchner in 1887 to promote Gold Coin Chewing Tobacco. In the American Card Catalog, Burdick refers to the series as "Leading Baseball Players, Police Inspectors and Captains, Jockeys, and Actors." The images in this series do not always represent the specific athletes named.
Valkenburg - Geulem. - Gezicht op de watermolen
Object type: ansichtkaart, prentbriefkaart
Date: 1905 – 1930
Materials: cardboard
Techniques: photograph
Location: geulhem
Artist: Anonymous
Subjects: canal, watermill in landscape
Visitekaart van graveur en kaartenmaker Abraham van Krevelt
Object type: visiting card
Date: 1772 – 1772
Materials: paper
Techniques: engraving
Location: amsterdam
Artist: abraham van krevelt
Artist role: print maker
Artist dates: 1732 – 1791
Subjects: print maker, abraham van krevelt, map of the world, visiting-card, calling-card
Inscriptions: date

Op de voorzijde een globe in twee helften met daarbij 'Waereld-kaart ontworpen na d' nieuwste ontdekkingen'. Op de achterzijde bedrijfsinformatie en adres van Van Krevelt.
Alexander Pope
Object type: medallion
Date: 1767 – 1800
Materials: stone
Artist: josiah wedgwood
Artist role: artist
Artist nationality: british
Artist dates: 1730 – 1795
Subjects: men,profiles
Portret van een onbekende vrouw met een hulsttak in het haar
Object type: photograph
Date: 1910 – 1920
Materials: cardboard, photographic support
Techniques: albumen print
Artist: Anonymous
Subjects: adult woman, plants and herbs: holly
The right hon. the Earl of Aberdeen
Object type: photomechanical print
Date: 1875 – 1880
Materials: paper
Techniques: woodburytype
Location: london
Artist: Anonymous
Subjects: politician, e.g. party leader
Offering Procession and Netting Fowl, Tomb of Djari
Object type: facsimile, djari tt 366, offering, netting fowl
Date: 2050 – 2000
Materials: ink, paper
Location: egypt
Subjects: animals,men
Tegeltableau van vier tegels met op doedelzak spelende figuur
Object type: tile tableau
Date: 1625 – 1650
Materials: earthenware, glaze
Techniques: maiolica
Location: netherlands
Artist: Anonymous

Veld van vier tegels (2 x 2) elk met een paars geschilderde figuur spelend op een doedelzak. In de hoeken, een ossenkop.
Portret van Alphonse Pyramus de Candolle
Object type: print
Date: 1811 – 1875
Materials: paper
Techniques: engraving
Subjects: eyeglasses, spectacles, historical persons
Inscriptions: collector's mark: Lugt 2228
Terracotta fragment of an undetermined shape
Object type: undetermined shape
Date: 500 – 476
Materials: terracotta
Culture: greek, attic

Part of arm and cushion (reclining symposiast?)
Terracotta fragment of a kylix (drinking cup)
Object type: kylix fragment
Date: 434 – 401
Materials: terracotta
Culture: greek, attic

Interior, head, neck, part of frontal torso, and bent right arm with hand holding a staff of a bearded male to left; Exterior, foot?
Nier
Object type: print
Date: 1589 – 1637
Materials: paper
Techniques: etching
Artist: lucas kilian
Artist role: draughtsman, print maker
Artist dates: 1579 – 1637
Subjects: glands, organ

Suzanne Karr Schmidt suggereert dat deze prenten van losse en uitneembare (dus niet geplakte) organen onderdeel waren van de Visio Secundae en Visio Tertia van Johann Remmelin's 'Catoptrum Microcosmicum' uit 1619.
Shoe buckles
Object type: shoe buckle
Date: 1791 – 1798
Materials: canvas, leather, metal, silver
Culture: british
A Farm, Man in the Doorway, from Landscapes (Verscheyden aerdige Lanthuysen...)
Object type: print
Date: 1620 – 1620
Materials: ink, paper
Techniques: etching
Location: netherlands
Artist: claes jansz. visscher
Artist nationality: netherlandish
Artist dates: 1550 – 1612
Inscriptions: Lettered lower right: "18"
Fragmentary dish with inscription for Hathor from Peteharsomtous
Object type: dish, hathor, peteharsomtous
Date: 332 – 330
Materials: silver
Location: northern upper egypt
Subjects: hieroglyphs

This fragment of a small silver dish bears an inscription to Hathor of Dendera. The dedicator was one Peteharsomtus whose father's name is cut off at the break. The inscription is duplicated on a silver bottle.in the museum's collection.
Handschoen van witte wol
Object type: menswear
Date: 1900 – 1920
Materials: wool
Techniques: knitting
Location: amsterdam
Artist: Anonymous

Paar heren schaatshandschoenen van witte gebreide wol, z.g. "Ringwood". Model: Kort, met dubbel en gesloten polsboord. Patroon: Gerstenkorrel-Breisel.
Anklet
Object type: anklet
Date: 1801 – 1900
Materials: iron, silver
Techniques: casting
Location: india
Fotoreproductie van een schilderij van een vrouw omringd door putti
Object type: reproduction
Date: 1874 – 1884
Materials: paper
Techniques: albumen print
Artist: Anonymous
Subjects: adult woman, picture, painting, cupids: 'amores', 'amoretti', 'putti'

Foto op vijfde ongenummerde pagina na pagina 56.
Zonder titel (paard)
Object type: drawing
Date: 1925 – 1940
Materials: ink, paper, pencil
Techniques: brush
Artist: leo gestel
Artist role: draughtsman, print maker
Artist dates: 1881 – 1941
Subjects: horse

Paard met hoofd naar links en rechter voorbeen omhoog
Firenze
Object type: photograph
Date: 1852 – 1890
Materials: cardboard, paper
Techniques: albumen print
Location: florence
Subjects: church (exterior), prospect of city, town panorama, silhouette of city
Inscriptions: number: ‘Pe. Ia. No. 14656’
Four Mandalas of the Guhyasamaja Cycle
Object type: thangka
Date: 1501 – 1600
Materials: textile, ink
Culture: tibetan

Mandalas serve as visualizations of the Buddhist cosmos. Celestial palaces for divine beings exist within them, represented here in two-dimensional form. Tibetan monasteries are likewise conceived as three-dimensional mandalas. Residing in this four-fold mandala are the esoteric Buddhist deity Gukyasamaja (a form of Akshobya), Vairochana, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha, and Amoghasiddhi—the five transcendent Buddhas embodying supreme wisdom. Together they command the universe, harnessing enlightenment qualities to aid those seeking true knowledge. Meditation upon this cosmic map aids those journeying on that path.