Schets voor Allegorie op de zijdehandel 1738

This red chalk sketch, *Schets voor Allegorie op de zijdehandel* (1738), by Dutch artist Jacob de Wit (1695-1754) is a preparatory drawing for a larger allegorical painting. The faint lines suggest a figure draped in fabric, possibly representing the trade of silk, a subject prominent in Dutch art history. The delicate strokes and hazy forms indicate the preliminary nature of the work, highlighting the artist's process of composition and exploration. De Wit, known for his historical and mythological scenes, utilizes the simplicity of red chalk to convey the essence of his envisioned artwork. This intimate sketch, though incomplete, offers a glimpse into the creative mind of a renowned Baroque painter.