Allegory of Earth 1655 - 1665

"Allegory of Earth" (1655-1665), a red chalk drawing by Charles Le Brun, depicts a classical composition centered around an ornate urn overflowing with flowers. Two figures flank the urn, representing a personification of Earth. The composition is framed by a decorative scroll and features a blank circular shield at its base, suggesting its use as a design for a decorative element or perhaps even a coat of arms. The artist, Charles Le Brun (1619-1690) was a prominent French painter, sculptor, and designer who served as the First Painter to Louis XIV and played a significant role in developing the grand style of Baroque art.