This is a drawing of two classical figures, one standing and one reclining, both appearing to interact with a floating form. The drawing is sketched in neutral tones, primarily in gray, with areas of darker shading emphasizing the forms. The standing figure on the left is draped in flowing garments with a gentle expression, holding an object in one hand and gesturing toward the reclining figure with the other. The reclining figure on the right has a muscular build, leaning back on one arm. A third form is present, which appears to float above the reclining figure, exhibiting dynamic movement in its drapery. The scene suggests a narrative interaction, reminiscent of mythology or classical allegory.
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This is a drawing of two classical figures, one standing and one reclining, both appearing to interact with a floating form. The drawing is sketched in neutral tones, primarily in gray, with areas of darker shading emphasizing the forms. The standing figure on the left is draped in flowing garments with a gentle expression, holding an object in one hand and gesturing toward the reclining figure with the other. The reclining figure on the right has a muscular build, leaning back on one arm. A third form is present, which appears to float above the reclining figure, exhibiting dynamic movement in its drapery. The scene suggests a narrative interaction, reminiscent of mythology or classical allegory.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

A River God and Two Classical Sculptures

Jacques-Louis David

Date
1775/80
Medium
gray wash over graphite on laid paper
Dimensions
overall: 15.1 x 21.2 cm (5 15/16 x 8 3/8 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
1998.105.1.f
Credit line
Patrons' Permanent Fund
Time span
1751 to 1775
Department
CG-E

Subjects and terms

  • French
  • Male figure
  • Costume
  • Statue
  • Neoclassic
  • Female figure
Provenance

Estate of the artist (sale, Paris, 17 April 1826, under no. 66; withdrawn); Mme. David (sale, Paris, 11 March 1835, under no. 16); purchased by one of David's pupils, Mlle. X (name obliterated);[1] by descent in her family; (Bruno de Bayser, Paris); purchased 1998 by NGA. [1] According to inscription on flyleaf.

Inscription

lower left in gray wash: farnesina; lower left below reclining figure: Spada; upper right above top figure: borghese (sideways); lower left: paraphes of J.D. and E.D.

NGA object ID 107049. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.