
Read the visual description
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.