Allegory of Prudence

Datec. 1780

Artist Angelica Kauffmann (Swiss, 1741 - 1807)

CultureSwiss

MediumOil on zinc

DimensionsImage: 11 3/4 x 8 5/8 in. (29.8 x 21.9 cm)
Framed: 18 x 15 1/4 in. (45.7 x 38.7 cm)

Credit LinePurchase, gift of Mrs. Frederick Ferris Thompson, by exchange

On View

On view

Period18th c

Classification(s)

Painting

ProvenanceCollection of Hon. Robert William Morgan-Grenville;
By descendant to his son, Robert Plantagenet Morgan-Grenville;
By descendant within the family;
Christie's, Paris, Old Masters, Paintings - Sculptures, Sale 20692, June 15, 2023, lot 51;
Purchased by Robilant + Voena
DescriptionA woman, the allegory of prudence, dressed in Neoclassical style, sits within a landscape holding a dove to her breast with her left hand while she holds a twisting snake by the head in her right hand. She looks downward and to her right towards the snake as the dove flaps its wings. The background is a blue cloudy sky with lush trees over her left shoulder.

Terms

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