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This is a drawing of an allegorical scene. It features multiple figures and symbolic elements that suggest a mythological or allegorical narrative. In the foreground, a seated figure draped in classical attire holds a shield with a flag motif and is accompanied by a reclining lion. To the right, standing figures dressed in flowing garments hold symbolic items. Above them, a winged figure with a trumpet hovers amidst clouds. In the background, there are softly sketched ships on water, and a dome-like structure on the horizon. The lines and shading convey an elegant composition consistent with classical themes.
National Gallery of Art · Drawing
An Allegory of Britain's Mercantile Power
Robert Smirke
- Medium
- pen and black and brown inks with gray wash over graphite, squared in graphite, on laid paper
- Dimensions
- overall: 11.2 x 19.3 cm (4 7/16 x 7 5/8 in.)
- Classification
- Drawing
- Accession number
- 1995.52.165
- Credit line
- Gift of William B. O'Neal
- Time span
- 1751 to 1775
- Department
- CG-E
Subjects and terms
- British
- government
- allegory
Provenance
(Covent Garden Gallery, Ltd. [William Drummond], London); purchased by William B. O'Neal, Charlottesville, VA, 1978-1994; gift to NGA, 1995.
Inscription
lower center in graphite: 4.[?].6; center right in graphite: 2 [?]. 5; upper left in graphite: 12; by later hand, upper right verso in graphite: N/C / CM / 26 / 5B / 1/2 box / Clip
Watermarks
BUTTAN SHAW
NGA object ID 76149. 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.