Allegory: Four Putti 1780 - 1790

Mather Brown created this drawing, Allegory: Four Putti, with pen and brown ink on paper. The material itself is quite humble, just a few strokes transforming a blank page into a scene. And yet, the artist populates that scene with some pretty complex ideas. We see the putti, or cherubic figures, actively engaged with materials and processes – one painting, another sawing wood. They are each immersed in physical labor, although in a playful, allegorical way. Here, Brown seems to suggest that art-making, like carpentry, is a kind of craft. Both require skill, practice, and a deep understanding of the materials at hand. Moreover, they're both forms of work. By depicting these cherubs engaging in various trades, Brown subtly elevates the status of craftsmanship and labor within the realm of art. It reminds us that artistic creation is not just about divine inspiration, but also about the sweat and toil of human hands.