Allegorical scene 1690 - 1790

This allegorical scene was drawn anonymously, using pen and wash. The image presents us with an arrangement of figures. The loose strokes and unfinished quality, however, suggest the drawing may have been a preparatory sketch. Such sketches, especially in earlier periods, were often produced within the context of a master’s workshop. Apprentices would use these to train in composition or the depiction of the human figure. In this way, art education played a vital role in standardizing artistic styles. We can interpret the drawing’s iconography by understanding its place within broader artistic and social conventions. The figure of Fortune, for instance, with her cornucopia, or the lion, a symbol of strength, reflect a culture steeped in classical imagery. Through careful research into the visual language of the period, and the studio practices of the time, we can better understand the social life of this image.