Allegorical Design with Apollo and Neptune c. 17th century

Curator: Charles Le Brun, born in 1619, produced this drawing called “Allegorical Design with Apollo and Neptune.” Editor: It’s a flurry of gods and horses, all sketched in this captivating sepia tone that feels both ancient and alive. Curator: Le Brun was a master of Baroque art and a key figure under Louis XIV, shaping the visual identity of the French monarchy. Editor: You can sense that ambition in the composition. Apollo, bathed in light, reaching for Neptune—it’s a power play visualized, isn’t it? Curator: Absolutely. These figures, Apollo with his lyre and Neptune with his trident, are likely meant to symbolize Louis's patronage of the arts and naval power. Editor: The way the horses seem to emerge from the waves, wild and untamed, adds such a dynamic tension, like the ocean's depths unleashed. It's a fascinating blend of classical mythology and raw energy. Curator: It's a powerful image, showcasing Le Brun's skill in blending political messaging with artistic flair. Editor: I leave with the feeling that even sketches can whisper loudly about history and the stories of those who shaped it.