Circle of Jean Siméon Chardin

Circle of JEAN SIMÉON CHARDIN (Paris, 1699-1779); second half of the 18th century.
"Grisalla with allegory of Winter".
Oil on canvas.
Presents on the back possible signature
Measurements: 48,5 x 80,5 cm.
Scene of allegorical character, where the author has portrayed in an allegorical way several lovers in the foreground arranged as a frieze in such a way that they present a clear classical inspiration. In fact, its chromatic finish gives a sculptural image to the piece that seems to have been conceived as a relief. Allegorical paintings emerged in the Middle Ages with the intention of exalting the qualities and situations of life. This type of portraits were used to exalt the qualities of a particular character, such as kings, or recognized personalities. In fact, during the neoclassicism this trend was again in vogue. In this particular case it is not about a recognized character, but the painter wanted to reflect the initial concept of the use of allegory in pictorial art.
Jean Simeon Chardin, one of the most important French painters of the 18th century, known especially for his still lifes and portraits (Paris, 1699-1779). Chardin's work had little in common with the Rococo painting that dominated 18th-century French art. At a time when history painting was considered the supreme classification for public art, Chardin's chosen subjects were considered lesser categories. He favored simple but beautifully textured still lifes, and treated domestic interiors and genre paintings with sensitivity. However, simple, even austere, paintings of common domestic objects.