Artwork

Allegory of Poverty and Wealth

Allegory of Poverty and Wealth, by Conrad Meyer, ink, 1654
Allegory of Poverty and Wealth, by Conrad Meyer, ink, 1654

Allegory of Poverty and Wealth is an ink drawing by the Baroque artist Conrad Meyer. It dates from 1654 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Conrad Meyer created Allegory of Poverty and Wealth in 1654, a drawing that explores the contrast between wealth and poverty through allegorical representation.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a group of five figures around a laden table, with a richly dressed man on one side and impoverished individuals on the other, conveying a narrative about economic disparity and survival.

Technique & Style

Meyer employed pen and brown ink with gray wash to achieve a range of tonal values, using quick, sketchy lines to distinguish between the fine attire of the wealthy figure and the worn appearance of the others.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Conrad Meyer

Artist

Conrad Meyer

Conrad Meyer (1618 Zürich – 1689 Zürich) was a painter, engraver, and medallist of Zürich.

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