Artwork
An Allegory of Innocence
An Allegory of Innocence is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Lorenzo Lippi. It dates from 1640 and is held in the collection of the Ashmolean Museum.
About this work
Overview
Lorenzo Lippi’s 1640 oil painting titled An Allegory of Innocence presents a tranquil scene in which a young woman cradles a lamb. Set against a darkened backdrop, the composition emphasizes the gentle interaction between the figure and the animal, conveying a mood of calm and serenity.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure, dressed in a blue gown trimmed in white and a red cloak, holds the lamb close to her chest, her gaze turned to the left. The floral crown atop her head and the tender posture suggest themes of purity, virtue, and the pastoral ideal of innocence embodied in both woman and creature.
Technique & Style
Lippi employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, allowing the illuminated forms of the woman and lamb to emerge from the surrounding darkness. The contrast of light and shadow, combined with the subtle modeling of flesh and fabric, reflects the Baroque interest in dramatic lighting while maintaining a restrained, harmonious palette.
History & Provenance
Created in the mid‑17th century, the work entered the collection of the Ashmolean Museum, where it remains on display. Its acquisition history is not extensively documented, but the painting has been recognized as a representative example of Lippi’s allegorical output.
Context
During the 1640s, Italian painters often explored allegorical subjects that linked moral concepts to everyday imagery. Lippi’s choice of a lamb—a traditional symbol of purity—paired with a modestly attired woman aligns with contemporary devotional and didactic trends, echoing similar compositions by his contemporaries.
Artist & collection
