
Read the visual description
The image depicts a sketch of three full-length figures standing upright and draped in flowing, classical-style garments. The first figure on the left has a slightly tilted head and holds an object in one hand, while the other hand rests near the chest. The second figure in the middle holds an indistinct object and has their head turned to the right. The third figure on the right is also looking to the right and rests one hand on a column or ledge. All three figures have classical-inspired hairstyles and subtle facial features. The background is blank, emphasizing the detailed shading and drapery of the garments. The paper shows signs of aging with small stains.
National Gallery of Art · Drawing
A Muse and Two Female Figures
Jacques-Louis David
- Date
- 1775/80
- Medium
- black chalk and gray wash on laid paper
- Dimensions
- overall: 13.2 x 19 cm (5 3/16 x 7 1/2 in.)
- Classification
- Drawing
- Accession number
- 1998.105.1.ii
- Credit line
- Patrons' Permanent Fund
- Time span
- 1751 to 1775
- Department
- CG-E
Subjects and terms
- French
- Neoclassic
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Estate of the artist (sale, Paris, 17 April 1826, under no. 66; withdrawn); Mme.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 black chalk: au capitole; lower left: paraphes of E.D. and J.D.
NGA object ID 107078. 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.