The Devil of Money

Nicolas-François Chifflart

Cleveland Museum of Art

The artwork, titled "The Devil of Money" by Nicolas-François Chifflart, features a black and white drawing on off-white paper with rough edges. The drawing depicts a central figure sitting on a rock or pile of bodies, surrounded by multiple nude human figures. The central figure sits with their right leg crossed over their left, and their arms are bent at the elbow with hands near their face. The sitting figure has short hair and appears to have a beard. The central figure and some surrounding figures have horns, indicating they are devils or demons. The background shows grass or plants and other figures, possibly demons or spirits, in the distance. The scene appears chaotic, with several figures on the ground, some on their stomachs and others on their backs. Art supplies, such as brushes and a palette, are scattered on the ground. The overall mood of the scene is dark and intense.