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.
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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.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

Allegory of Music

François Boucher

Date
1764
Medium
pen and brown ink with red wash on laid paper
Dimensions
overall (oval): 16.7 x 23 cm (6 9/16 x 9 1/16 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
1979.15.1
Credit line
Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Time span
1751 to 1775
Department
CG-E

Subjects and terms

  • French
  • Rococo
  • Music
  • arts and sciences
  • allegory
Provenance

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

NGA object ID 56941. 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.