Artwork

Allegorical Figure (verso)

Allegorical Figure (verso), by Niccolò dell'Abbate, 1504
Allegorical Figure (verso), by Niccolò dell'Abbate, 1504

Allegorical Figure (verso) is a drawing by the Renaissance artist Niccolò dell'Abbate. It dates from 1504 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Allegorical Figure (verso) is a drawing by Niccolo dell'Abbate, dated to around 1504, and is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a woman seated on a cloud, holding a staff and dressed in a long robe, conveying a sense of weightlessness and solemnity. Her allegorical significance is not explicitly stated, leaving interpretation open.

Technique & Style

The drawing showcases dell'Abbate's skillful use of chiaroscuro, with strong contrasts of light and dark creating a sense of volume and depth. Intricate lines and shading add to the figure's dimensionality, exemplifying a detailed and realistic style.

Artist & collection

Artist

Niccolò dell'Abbate

Niccolò dell'Abbate, sometimes Nicolò and Abate (1509 or 1512 – 1571) was a Mannerist Italian painter in fresco and oils.

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