This is a drawing of cherubs engaged in playful activities. The image shows three cherubic figures in different lively poses. One cherub is airborne holding up a framed portrait with tools bursting out. Another cherub is sitting and using a saw on a plank resting on a rock. The third cherub is lying down with arms spread, appearing to be either asleep or resting. They all have curly hair and youthful features. The background is simple, emphasizing the cherubs, and the drawing style is characterized by clear, confident lines resembling renaissance penmanship.
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Allegory: Four Putti

Mather Brown (American, 1761 - 1831)

1780/1790

Medium
pen and brown ink over graphite on laid paper
Classification
Drawing
Dimensions
sheet: 13.8 × 18.5 cm (5 7/16 × 7 5/16 in.)
Culture
American
Museum
National Gallery of Art, CG-W
Credit line
John Davis Hatch Collection
Rights
Public domain (NGA Open Access, CC0), as the museum states it.
Who can see it
Teens profiles and older: its museum says too little about what it shows to place it for younger viewers. How works are placed

View at the National Gallery of Art