Who painted Allegory of Music?

Allegory of Music was painted by François Boucher in 1764.

Where can I see Allegory of Music?

Allegory of Music is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Allegory of Music?

Allegory of Music is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Allegory of Music

François Boucher , 1764

Allegory of Music is an ink drawing by the Romanticist artist François Boucher. It dates from 1764 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1764, the drawing titled *Allegory of Music* is executed with pen and brown ink complemented by a red wash on laid paper. French artist François Boucher, a prominent figure of the eighteenth‑century Rococo movement, produced the work as a study in allegorical representation, using the medium to explore the visual language of music.

Subject & Meaning

The composition employs conventional allegorical symbols to evoke the essence of music, arranging figures and objects that suggest sound, rhythm, and harmony. Boucher’s treatment reflects his penchant for graceful, sensuous forms, allowing the viewer to interpret the scene as a poetic embodiment of the auditory art.

Technique & Style

Boucher combines fine pen work with a subtle brown ink line, over which a delicate red wash adds tonal variation and depth. The drawing exemplifies Rococo characteristics—lightness, ornamental detail, and fluid movement—while the use of laid paper provides a textured surface that enhances the drawing’s decorative quality.

History & Provenance

The piece originates from Boucher’s mature period, when he was in high demand for decorative commissions and allegorical projects. Although specific ownership records are limited, the work has been documented in catalogues of Boucher’s drawings and remains a representative example of his printmaking output.