Classical Allegorical Drawings

Dramatic historical drawings featuring mythological scenes, biblical references, and allegorical figures. Rich in detail, with a focus on composition and shading.

Design for a Tapestry: Allegory of Africa, Gérard Audran, Flemish, active in France, 1640-1703, Brush and brown ink, black wash, white gouache,over black chalk on laid paper. Framing lines in pen and black ink., A central group of women are flanked at left by a river god and at right by three figures. The Queen of Africa, crowned with ostrich feathers is shown seated holding a mace. At her right stands a woman who carries a sheaf of grain with her left arm and holds aloft a feather or offering with her raised right hand. She wears the head of an elephant as a headdress; a lion accompanies her. A third woman is seated beside the Queen and looks toward her while pointing to the left., France, 1660-1680, textile designs, drawing, drawing
Design for a Tapestry: Allegory of Africa, Gérard Audran, Flemish, active in France, 1640-1703, Brush and brown ink, black wash, white gouache,over black chalk on laid paper. Framing lines in pen and black ink., A central group of women are flanked at left by a river god and at right by three figures. The Queen of Africa, crowned with ostrich feathers is shown seated holding a mace. At her right stands a woman who carries a sheaf of grain with her left arm and holds aloft a feather or offering with her raised right hand. She wears the head of an elephant as a headdress; a lion accompanies her. A third woman is seated beside the Queen and looks toward her while pointing to the left., France, 1660-1680, textile designs, drawing, drawing