Muse with Laurel Wreath and Book (Poetry or Philosophy), ca. 1700–1750
MediumPen with brown
Sheet dimensions16,7 × 12,3 cm
About the workThe Venetian artist Rosalba Carriera was known throughout Europe in the eighteenth century for her outstanding pastel paintings. This drawing is one of the few surviving preparatory works for one of her pastels. The woman’s gaze and her hand raised as a sign of speaking establish a direct relationship with the viewer. The timeless clothing identifies the subject as an allegory: it is not clear whether she is supposed to be the embodiment of poetry on account of the laurel wreath on her head, or the personification of philosophy due to the book in her hand.
AccessionAcquisition 2021
Inventory numberK 2021-18
