A Muse of Poetry 1840 - 1898

This is a preparatory drawing in graphite by Pierre Puvis de Chavannes. It depicts a standing female figure, a muse of poetry. Drawn in France during the late 19th century, this work reflects a period of significant social and artistic change. It was a time of growing institutionalization of art, with academies and museums playing a central role in shaping artistic taste and careers. Puvis de Chavannes was known for his allegorical and classical subjects, often commissioned for public spaces. In France, the Academy des Beaux-Arts was very influential on which artists would get commissions, pushing the boundaries of what could be considered art. This drawing, with its classical references, can be seen as part of a broader cultural movement that sought to connect with historical traditions. Further research into the artist's commissions and the cultural politics of the time can provide a deeper understanding of the work's role within the art world of the 19th century. Ultimately, the meaning of this drawing is tied to the social and institutional context in which it was created.