This is a drawing of various mythical or allegorical figures in dynamic poses. The drawing features several figures floating or flying across the composition, with swirling lines and fluid motion. Drapery and rhythmic lines emphasize the figures’ movement. The artist used a reddish sepia tone with soft shading to create the image, adding touches of blue to highlight parts of the garments. The figures are expressive, each carrying out different gestures. The positioning of these figures suggests a scene of mythological significance, with some appearing to hold objects like wings or instruments. The background is minimally detailed, making the figures the focal point of the composition.
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This is a drawing of various mythical or allegorical figures in dynamic poses. The drawing features several figures floating or flying across the composition, with swirling lines and fluid motion. Drapery and rhythmic lines emphasize the figures’ movement. The artist used a reddish sepia tone with soft shading to create the image, adding touches of blue to highlight parts of the garments. The figures are expressive, each carrying out different gestures. The positioning of these figures suggests a scene of mythological significance, with some appearing to hold objects like wings or instruments. The background is minimally detailed, making the figures the focal point of the composition.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

Allegorical Figures Seen from Below

Domenico Maria Canuti

Medium
pen and brown ink with red wash, heightened with white, over red chalk
Dimensions
overall: 20.3 x 29 cm (8 x 11 7/16 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
1983.74.6
Credit line
Julius S. Held Collection, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Time span
1601 to 1650
Department
CG-E

Subjects and terms

  • Bolognese
  • allegory
Provenance

Julius S. Held

Inscription

lower left verso in brown ink: 1847. Dr. (ill. inscr. follows); lower center verso in red chalk: 107; lower right verso in red pencil: 74; in graphite: 123/10 5/7/57 / L / IL; in blue: 107

NGA object ID 62600. 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.