Drawing, Study after the Antique, by a close follower of Nicolas Poussin, French school, 17th century

An allegoric draped feminine figure steering a chariot pulled by two winged snakes; flanked by a lioness.

Bought from E. Parsons for £2.10.0 (lot price) in 1885.

This drawing belongs to a series of 11 studies after the antique. The series was originally attributed to Nicolas Poussin but were catalogued in the section dedicated to the rejected attributions (‘dessins rejetés’) in the catalogue raisonné (Rosenberg, 1994). P. Rosenberg suggests however that the drawing was made by a close follower of Nicolas Poussin in the style of François Verdier (1651-1730).

These drawings were probably executed as patterns for sculptured panels or low-reliefs. They seem to draw their motif from antique statues which have not been identified. D. 315-1885 shows an allegoric draped feminine figure steering a chariot pulled by two winged snakes, followed by a lioness. The meaning of this allegory still remains enigmatic.

A number of decorative projects and architectural designs have been influenced by Poussin, who favoured academic individual figures. In his early career, many artists worked as studio assistants with Poussin, drawing academic cartoons to help him to achieve designs for commissions and therefore imitating the master’s manner. His work influenced a major part of the 17th century artists. P. Rosenberg suggests that the series was made by an artist of the circle of François Verdier (1594-1649).

This drawing showing an allegorical female figure on a char led by snakes was probably a preparatory design for a sculptured panel. Although not by Poussin himself, it shows the influence of the master’s work. Active in France and Italy, Nicolas Poussin (1594-1665) executed many series of paintings and drawings, with a general moralizing tone, dealing with Christian or mythological themes influenced by Roman Antiquity and the Renaissance masters.

D.315-1885