Study of Two Female Allegories Flanking a Cartouche (recto and verso) c. late 18th century

This anonymous red chalk drawing, likely from the late 18th century, features two female figures flanking a cartouche. The figures, possibly allegorical, are depicted in a delicate and flowing style. One figure wears a flowing robe with a wing on her shoulder, while the other holds a staff and wears a flowing gown. The figures are gracefully rendered, demonstrating the artist's mastery of line and form. The cartouche, a decorative element often used for inscriptions, remains blank in this composition, leaving room for potential text or imagery. This artwork, with its focus on figurative studies and classical elements, reflects the artistic trends of the late 18th century. The drawing’s small dimensions suggest it may have served as a preliminary study for a larger work.