Allegory of Science 1865

"Allegory of Science" (1865), a plaster sculpture by the French artist Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, depicts a reclining male figure in a contemplative pose. The figure's relaxed yet thoughtful expression, combined with the rough texture of the plaster, creates a sense of dynamism and intellectual inquiry. This small-scale work, now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, exemplifies Carpeaux's interest in capturing the human form in a natural and expressive manner, reflecting the artistic trends of the 19th century.