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Allegory of the death of Voltaire, 1778-1780. Creator: Gabriel de Saint-Aubin
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Allegory of the death of Voltaire, 1778-1780. Creator: Gabriel de Saint-Aubin
Allegory of the death of Voltaire, 1778-1780. A nymph on a scallop shell pours water over a swan, symbolizing poetic inspiration. In the background, the poet Voltaire is crowned by death
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Aquatic Bird Arouet Francois Marie Dramatist Enlightenment Francois Marie Arouet De Voltaire Francois Marie Arouet Voltaire Gabriel De Saint Aubin Gabriel Jacques De Saint Aubin Graphite Mineral Historian Ink On Paper Philosopher Philosophy Playwright Saint Aubin Gabriel De Saint Aubin Gabriel Jacques De Skin Swan Symbolic Voltaire Voltaire Francois Marie Arouet Voltaire Francois Marie Arouet De Water Bird Waterbird Watercolor Paint Nakedness Young Man
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This 18th century allegory, titled "Allegory of the Death of Voltaire," was created by the skilled hand of Gabriel de Saint-Aubin. The image depicts a serene scene of a nymph, poised on a scallop shell, pouring water over a swan. The swan symbolizes poetic inspiration, while the scallop shell is a traditional attribute of Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty. In the background, the renowned French philosopher, writer, and historian, François Marie Arouet Voltaire, is depicted as a regal figure, crowned by the personification of Death. Voltaire, a prominent figure of the French Enlightenment, is shown standing naked, symbolizing the vulnerability and transience of human life. The use of graphite and ink on paper adds to the intricacy and depth of the drawing. The allegory is a poignant representation of the passage of time and the inevitability of death. The Dutch artist, Gabriel de Saint-Aubin, masterfully captures the essence of this concept through the use of symbolic imagery and the juxtaposition of the living and the dead. The work is a testament to the rich artistic and intellectual heritage of the Low Countries during the eighteenth century. This evocative piece is currently housed in the esteemed Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, where it continues to inspire and captivate visitors from around the world. The "Allegory of the Death of Voltaire" is a must-see for anyone with an appreciation for history, literature, and the arts.
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