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The image shows two cherubic figures close together. The cherub on the left is reclined, with its head resting on the shoulder of the other cherub. The cherub on the right faces the left cherub. Both have curly hair and are depicted nude. The left cherub holds a scroll and wears a laurel wreath, while the right one holds a lyre. They are surrounded by drapery. The background features swirling clouds. Below the main image is a heraldic emblem with a lion, crown, and banner with integrated text.
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The image shows two cherubic figures close together. The cherub on the left is reclined, with its head resting on the shoulder of the other cherub. The cherub on the right faces the left cherub. Both have curly hair and are depicted nude. The left cherub holds a scroll and wears a laurel wreath, while the right one holds a lyre. They are surrounded by drapery. The background features swirling clouds. Below the main image is a heraldic emblem with a lion, crown, and banner with integrated text.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Allegory of Music with Two Cherubs and Doves (100)

Gilles Demarteau the Elder after François Boucher

Medium
chalk manner printed in black on laid paper
Dimensions
plate: 46.7 x 29.5 cm (18 3/8 x 11 5/8 in.) sheet: 55 x 40 cm (21 5/8 x 15 3/4 in.)
Classification
Print
Accession number
2011.152.2
Credit line
Ellwanger/Mescha Collection
Time span
1701 to 1725
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • French
  • allegory
  • crayon-manner engraving
Provenance

Mr. A. Thompson Ellwanger III and Mr. Gregory E. Mescha, Washington D.C.; gift to NGA, 2012.

Inscription

lower left in plate: Boucher f. / à Messire Caspard Moyse de Fontanieu / Conseiller d'Etat ordinaire Intendant et Controlleur General des Meubles de la Couronne / No 100 Tiré du cabinet de Mr. de Fontaineu Par son tres humble et tres Obeissant serviteur Demarteau Lne.

NGA object ID 124684. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.