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Preview image of work. pen and black ink, grey wash over black chalk on paper, Allegory of Peace 15

1811.15

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Allegory of Peace

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Artist

Friedrich Sustris (Venice, Italy, ca. 1540 - ca. 1599, Munich, Germany)

Title

Allegory of Peace

Creation Date

1573-1580

Century

16th century

Dimensions

7 7/8 in. x 3 3/4 in. (20 cm. x 9.53 cm.)

Object Type

drawing

Creation Place

Europe, Netherlands

Medium and Support

pen and black ink, grey wash over black chalk on paper

Credit Line

Bequest of the Honorable James Bowdoin III

Copyright

Public Domain

Accession Number

1811.15

The languid and sensual Allegory of Peace epitomizes Mannerist elegance in the female form. From her idealized profile and ornately knotted hair to her tiny waist, swelling abdomen, ample thighs and dainty feet, she embodies the artificial beauty favored by Italian and Northern Mannerists. Sustris employs the convention of “wet drapery” in rendering her quasi-ancient Greek garment, which reveals her navel and breasts beneath the fabric. The personification stands erect, effortlessly holding the heavy torch with which she sets fire to the symbols of war at her feet: cuirass (body armor), helmet, sword, and banners. She holds a palm branch of peace in her left hand, pointing heavenward with one extended finger, indicating the source of peace on earth.

Keywords: full figure allegory work on paper master drawing