Study of an Allegorical Female Figure with an Attendant Putto 1751 - 1799

This is a study of an allegorical female figure with an attendant putto, made in England in the 1700s. The image draws on classical iconography, a visual language of power that was used in the 18th century to create a sense of historical continuity. It suggests an ideal of feminine virtue and civic responsibility, connecting these to the traditions of classical antiquity. The artwork serves as a window into the artistic practices and institutional structures of 18th-century England. Figures like this one often appeared in history paintings meant for public viewing in spaces like the Royal Academy. The Academy encouraged artists to engage with civic and moral themes, reflecting the belief that art should serve a public function. Understanding the context of its creation and display can help us interpret the meanings it may have held for its original audience. To understand the social function of the artwork, we can consider how the Royal Academy shaped artistic production and public taste.