“Allegory” Simone Vouet (c1640) In this rich allegory, Simon Vouet explores the power of artistic inspiration. Cherubs descend from above, a radiant winged figure embodies divine creativity, and the artist’s canvas reminds viewers that great art was believed to bridge the earthly and the celestial. Painted in the dramatic Baroque style Vouet brought from Rome to France, the work celebrates the idea that creativity is both a human skill and a heavenly gift.