Allegorical Portrait of Dorothea Emerentia von Canitz, née von Arnim 1745

This Allegorical Portrait of Dorothea Emerentia von Canitz, née von Arnim, was created by Simon Fokke. The sepia drawing presents a bust of Dorothea adorned with a laurel wreath, flanked by allegorical figures, cherubs, and symbols. Note the careful arrangement of figures within the frame that conveys a sense of elevated status and moral virtue. The composition is structured around the central bust, with the flanking figures serving as vertical supports. The cherubs at the bottom, holding emblems, ground the piece, while the radiant light behind the bust elevates the subject. Fokke’s sepia wash creates a subtle tonal range, adding depth and volume to the otherwise linear quality of the drawing. Such detailed and allegorical portraiture, common in the 18th century, was created to not only capture likeness but also communicate philosophical and social ideals. The strategic placement of classical and Christian symbols signifies the virtues and status associated with the sitter. Ultimately, it’s a sophisticated interpretation of a person through carefully constructed symbols.