Allegory of Rhetoric
This figure adorned the pediment of a Chippendale-style desk and bookcase when it came to the Museum. Thought to have been made somewhat later than the desk, it is probably the work of two members of a well-known family of Boston ship carvers who executed similar allegorical figures for two chest-on-chests made for the Derby family of Salem. The draped figure is in the Neoclassical style and may symbolize Peace, the caduceus in her left hand replacing what was likely an olive branch.
Artwork Details
- Title: Allegory of Rhetoric
- Maker: Attributed to Simeon Skillin (1757–1806)
- Maker: Attributed to John Skillin (American, 1745–1800)
- Date: ca. 1790
- Geography: Made in Salem, Massachusetts, United States
- Culture: American
- Medium: Mahogany
- Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Russell Sage, 1909
- Object Number: 10.125.81b
- Curatorial Department: The American Wing
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Simeon Skillin
1801–6
Simeon Skillin
John Skillin
ca. 1790
American
1715–35
American
1679
Samuel Phippen
1785–95
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.