Op troon gezeten vrouw waarboven gevleugelde figuur c. 1870 - 1894

Gustave Joseph Chéret made this artwork of ink on paper that depicts a seated woman on a throne with a winged figure above. This sketch would have been made in France in the late 19th century. The image employs the visual codes of classical antiquity: the throne, the draped fabric, and the winged figure overhead, likely a representation of fame or victory. Artists in France during this period drew inspiration from the classical world to evoke themes of power, legitimacy, and authority. It's likely that Chéret made this sketch as a preparatory study for a larger composition. A historian might look at the artist's other work to determine how this image was intended to function, and perhaps find sketches and paintings that developed similar themes. Understanding the social and institutional context in which art is produced is crucial to understanding its meaning and function.