Seated Putto Holding a Torch, with a Shield, and Owl

Gravelot's oddly-shaped design was probably intended to serve as an illustration although no publication has been identified. The putto brandishing a torch and clasping a shield bearing a satyr's head prompted Kraemer to posit, “Perhaps the drawing is an Allegory of Wisdom and forms a pair with...[1968.15:6] symbolizing Folly.” Kraemer further noted that “The notation in an old hand on the folder in which these four drawings [1968.15:5-8] were acquired, interprets them as 'Pendentifs. Enfants. Statues. La peinture. Le drame. La comedie.' The collector, probably Roederer, must have thought of architectural or sculptural decoration because of the curving lines in pen and brown ink which frame the designs on both sides.”