Allegory of the Arts (one of a pair)
18th century
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
Overall: 66 × 26 3/4 in. (167.6 × 67.9 cm)
Classification
Paintings-Decorative
Culture
French
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1906
Accession Number
07.225.503a
Tags
Art Historical Context
**Allegory of the Arts (one of a pair)**, painted by the French artist Le Riche the 18th century exemplifies the ornate decorative tradition of the Rococo era. This oil canvas measures an impressive 66 × 26 3/4 inches, its tall, narrow format suggesting it was designed as a grand overdoor panel or wall decoration for a lavish interior, such as a or château. As one of a matching pair, it would have created a harmonious ensemble, immersing viewers in a celebration of human creativity. The composition likely features elegant human figures personifying the Arts—perhaps Painting, Sculpture, Music,...