Artwork

Allegory

Allegory, by Charles Abraham Chasselat, 1818
Allegory, by Charles Abraham Chasselat, 1818

Allegory is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Charles Abraham Chasselat. It dates from 1818 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Allegory, a drawing by Charles Abraham Chasselat, dates to 1818 and is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts a group in ancient Greek attire, including a staff-bearing man, a winged figure, and a woman holding a scale to the right, set amidst clouds. The assembly suggests a symbolic narrative, though the specific allegory's meaning is not explicitly stated.

Technique & Style

Characterized by soft colors, gentle lines, and a cloudy, ethereal backdrop, the drawing embodies a dreamy quality. The dynamic arrangement of figures, centered on the winged man, contributes to a sense of calm contemplation.

History & Provenance

Created in 1818, the drawing's history prior to its acquisition by The Cleveland Museum of Art is not detailed here.

Context

The work's emphasis on emotion, symbolism, and atmospheric setting aligns with elements of the Romantic movement, though direct attribution to this style is not confirmed in the provided details.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.