Strongless allegory

RAFAEL XIMENO Y PLANES (1759-1825)

Spain, 18th century.

Pencil, ink and sepia wash on laid paper.

This is a drawing based on Michel Dorigny’s engraving, reproducing Simon Vouet’s painting made in 1637-1638 for the ceiling of the Queen’s room in the castle of Nuef de Saint German-en-Laye, whose decoration was completed with the paintings of the other three Theological Virtues: Justice, Prudence and Temperance. These works were later placed as overhangs in the Hall of Mars at the Palace of Versailles. The engravings were made by Dorigny in 1634, as indicated by the print, made in an inverted position with respect to the painting, as is Ximeno’s drawing, which indicates that it was made from the print. It is done in pen with intense and contrasting touches of wash and a faint parallel hatching, to achieve the modeling effect.