Allegory of Music

1764

François Boucher

Associated Names
François Boucher

Artist, French, 1703 - 1770

This is a drawing of a seated figure surrounded by cherubs. The scene is composed within an oval border, featuring an adult figure sitting amongst a group of playful cherubs. The figure is draped in flowing clothing, while the cherubs are depicted in various playful poses around the central figure, amidst stylized clouds. The drawing is executed with loose, expressive strokes and shading, with a monochromatic palette of soft browns and reddish tints that suggest the use of sepia ink or similar medium. The scene conveys a sense of movement and celestial harmony.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and brown ink with red wash on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    overall (oval): 16.7 x 23 cm (6 9/16 x 9 1/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1979.15.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Ananoff 1966, no. 940

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Mrs. Charles E. Slatkin [1909-1999]; sold 1979 to NGA.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1997

  • Six Centuries/Six Artists, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1997.

Bibliography

1966

  • Ananoff, Alexandre. L'oeuvre dessine de Francois Boucher (1703-1770). Paris, 1966.

1973

  • Slatkin 1973, 83.

Wikidata ID

Q64569745

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