Allegory of the Arts, 1740

About the Work

The painting shows five women who embody the arts. Painting is sitting by the easel at the centre of the composition. She has turned towards Poetry, who is standing behind and who provides her with inspiration. Sculpture is sitting at front left and gazes admiringly up at Painting. Architecture and Music have retreated into the background. The Roman artist Batoni also illustrates the supremacy of Painting within the arts with his refined, almost classical-looking style, which disguises every brushstroke.