Study for an Allegory of Painting c. 1750

Etienne Parrocel created this pencil on paper drawing titled *Study for an Allegory of Painting* sometime in the 18th century. Allegorical paintings often personify abstract concepts, and in this study, Parrocel explores how to represent painting itself. During this period, art academies and salons shaped artistic standards, often emphasizing classical themes and idealized forms. Here, a female figure, loosely draped, sits pensively with a brush and palette, embodying the artistic process. Eighteenth-century allegories frequently featured women as muses or symbols of virtue and beauty. This can be interpreted as a reflection of the limited roles afforded to women in the art world. It emphasizes their symbolic rather than active participation in artistic creation. Parrocel's sketch suggests a narrative about the act of painting, inviting us to reflect on who is included, who is excluded, and what stories are told.