Artwork Page for Ut Pictura Poesis

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Ut Pictura Poesis

1745–1746

Charles-François Hutin

(French, 1715–1776)
Culture
France, 18th century
Medium
Gray wash, watercolor, graphite, black chalk, and red chalk on cream laid paper
Support
Cream(1) laid paper laid down on blued white laid paper
Measurements
Sheet: 53.2 x 38 cm (20 15/16 x 14 15/16 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1998.76
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Hutin’s drawing is an allegorical celebration of academic artistic training. The words UT PICTURA POESIS engraved on the stone tablet translate “as is painting, so is poetry.” Classical figures throughout the grand hall discuss their work as they practice different methods of making images. In the foreground, putti sculpt a portrait bust of Louis XV; behind them artists practice drawing a nude model. Among the sculptures in the room are the Farnese Hercules and the Venus de’ Medici, both famous Roman marbles in Italy, where Hutin trained from 1737 to 1742. In the upper right, Fame flies with trumpets above Minerva, the patron goddess of the arts, holding a paintbrush and palette as she drives out Ignorance and Envy.
A vertically oriented watercolor and wash drawing depicts a classical hall with figures having light skin tones. In the lower left, children cluster around a tablet inscribed "UT PICTURA POESIS." Centered, an armored figure holds a palette. To our right, a man flees a dark cloud. Above, a winged woman blows a trumpet near a red curtain. In the background, people sketch and study among columns adorned with oval paintings and large statues.

Ut Pictura Poesis

1745–1746

Charles-François Hutin

(French, 1715–1776)
France, 18th century

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