Allegory of Astronomy

This canvas, like P7349, is one of a group of six preparatory designs for the tapestries made for the private room of the Princess of Asturias in the Royal Palace. In each canvas a putto holds symbols referring to the work’s allegorical subject, in this case Astronomy’s armillary sphere and compasses. Based on Renaissance ornamentation, the delicacy and colour as well as the floral and bird motifs are all characteristically Rococo.