Four Figure Studies, 18th century
Unknown French, 18th centuryexpand_more
Pen and brown ink and wash over red chalkexpand_more
Gift of the Joseph F. McCrindle Collectionexpand_more 2009.53.22
Not on Viewexpand_more
Comparable in format and style to studies in the Italian sketchbooks of young Jacques-Louis David, which he executed when he was studying in Rome from 1775 to 1780, these eight drawings might be by an artist in his circle there. Copying antique sculptures was a major activity of pensioners at the French Academy in Rome, and these quickly sketched drawings seem to record this fundamental academic exercise. The figures' frenzied poses, fluttering drapery, and subtle modeling with wash suggest that they were drawn after antique bas reliefs--a battle of the centaurs, or scene of bacchic revelry, for example—with the artist isolating individual figures on the page from the complex sculpted context.
Details
- Title
- Four Figure Studies
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2009.53.22
- Provenance
- [Finchden Manor, Tenterden, Kent, 1976; sold together with L2009.52.9 as "Roman School, circa 1620," for £180, to McCrindle]; Joseph F. McCrindle, New York (1976-d.2008); Joseph F. McCrindle Foundation (2008-2009; gave to MIA)
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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