Minerva Crowning the Genius of Fine Arts

early 1780s?

French 18th Century

Associated Names
Jean-Baptiste-André Gautier-Dagoty

Printer, French, 1740 - 1786

This is a drawing of an oval framed scene surrounded by floral garlands. In the center of the composition, there is an oval frame depicting a classical scene with figures in what appears to be a mythological setting. The figures are engaged in an interaction, likely involving a seated figure, a standing one holding a wreath, and possibly a cherub in attendance. Surrounding the central medallion is an elaborate floral garland made up of pink roses with green leaves and blue ribbons curling through the arrangement. The drawing has a refined elegance typical of neoclassical design, with an emphasis on symmetry and balance typically associated with 18th-century European aesthetic.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    color etching, wash manner, and stipple engraving with gold leaf and hand coloring with silver paint (tarnished) on silk satin

  • Credit Line

    Widener Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall: 29.5 × 36 cm (11 5/8 × 14 3/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1942.9.1682

Associated Artworks

See all 34 artworks

Commemorative Medal on the Occasion of the Marriage of the Dauphin and Marie -Antoinette

Augustin de Saint-Aubin

1770

This is a photograph of a book cover. The cover is designed with intricate gold embellishments on a dark brown leather background. It features a central oval design with a regal emblem of fleurs-de-lis and a crown. Surrounding the central motif are symmetrical patterns with scrollwork and floral elements in gold. The corners and borders are adorned with circular and linear motifs. The use of gold contrasts against the dark material, highlighting the detailed craftsmanship.

Album of Portraits of Queen Marie-Antoinette

Various Artists, René Simier

1815

Death of Louis XV

Louis-Simon Lempereur, Nicolas Delaunay

1774


Artwork history & notes

Inscriptions

none

Markings

none

Watermarks

none

Wikidata ID

Q64952856

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