Allegorical Figure

French 19th Century

1850

chalk

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism Early 19th Century Allegory putto

About this work

This drawing shows a figure with flowing robes and a gentle face. It's made with red chalk on paper. The soft lines and subtle shading give it a quiet feel. The artist used simple lines to create a sense of calm. The figure is allegorical, which means it represents an idea or concept. It's not a real person, but a symbol. To learn more about this style, look into the technique: sfumato.