Artwork
Allegory of Sculpture

Allegory of Sculpture is an ink drawing by the Baroque artist Gerard van Houten. It dates from 1690 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Allegory of Sculpture is a drawing created by Gerard van Houten in 1690, executed in red chalk, pen and brown ink, and gray wash on laid paper.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a seated woman carving a human head in stone, assisted by a putto holding a mirror to reflect her work. The scene is an allegorical representation of the art of sculpture.
Technique & Style
Van Houten employed a range of techniques, including cross-hatching, to achieve texture and depth. The combination of red chalk, ink, and gray wash creates a sense of volume and atmosphere, capturing the moment when the sculptor's chisel is poised.
Artist & collection





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