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The image shows a full-length nude male figure standing in a contrapposto position with a serious expression and distinct facial features. A seated individual in flowing drapery holds a book and observes the standing figure. A sculpted head lies on the floor with carving tools scattered around. In the background, two smaller statues and a sculpted bust are featured on a ledge, along with a partial bust emerging from a stone block. The setting is an artist's studio with a plain wall in the background.
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The image shows a full-length nude male figure standing in a contrapposto position with a serious expression and distinct facial features. A seated individual in flowing drapery holds a book and observes the standing figure. A sculpted head lies on the floor with carving tools scattered around. In the background, two smaller statues and a sculpted bust are featured on a ledge, along with a partial bust emerging from a stone block. The setting is an artist's studio with a plain wall in the background.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

Allegory of Sculpture

Gerard van Houten

Medium
red chalk with pen and brown ink and gray wash on laid paper
Dimensions
sheet: 15.9 x 10.1 cm (6 1/4 x 4 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
2009.70.142
Credit line
Joseph F. McCrindle Collection
Time span
1651 to 1700
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • Seated figure
  • Sculpture
  • Statue
  • Book
  • Male nude
Provenance

Chevalier Jean Camberlyn [1783-1861], Brussels (Lugt 514). (sale, Christie's New York, 11 January 1989, no. 184). Joseph F. McCrindle [1923-2008], New York; Joseph F. McCrindle Foundation, 2008; gift to NGA, 2009.

Inscription

by artist, lower right in pen and brown ink: G. van Houten f.; by later hand, lower center verso in graphite: G van Houten f.; by later hand on mount, upper center in graphite: G van Humen; by later hand, lower right in graphite: B0011

NGA object ID 143787. 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.