Spandrel Decoration with Seated Allegorical Female Figures of Charity and Obedience n.d.

This anonymous drawing from the Art Institute of Chicago is a spandrel decoration featuring allegorical figures of Charity and Obedience, seated amidst clouds and surrounded by cherubs. The composition is a typical example of Baroque-era design, with its emphasis on dynamic movement, dramatic light and shadow, and the use of symbolism. The figures are rendered in a highly detailed and realistic manner, while the clouds and cherubs contribute to a sense of ethereal beauty. The drawing is likely a preparatory sketch for a larger fresco or mural, a common practice during the Renaissance and Baroque periods.