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The image consists of swirling lines and elegant curves, creating an ornate design. The swirling shapes suggest grand, decorative architectural elements. There are cherubic figures holding garlands, a central face surrounded by flourishes, and mythical creatures. Human and animal forms are intertwined in the decorative motifs, evoking a sense of whimsy. The artwork features symmetry and ornate detailing reminiscent of historical buildings.
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The image consists of swirling lines and elegant curves, creating an ornate design. The swirling shapes suggest grand, decorative architectural elements. There are cherubic figures holding garlands, a central face surrounded by flourishes, and mythical creatures. Human and animal forms are intertwined in the decorative motifs, evoking a sense of whimsy. The artwork features symmetry and ornate detailing reminiscent of historical buildings.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

Arabesques with Frolicking Putti, Animals, and Jesters

South German 18th Century

Date
c. 1750
Medium
pen and black ink with gray wash over graphite, heightened with white and gold on blue laid paper
Dimensions
sheet: 32.9 × 56.2 cm (12 15/16 × 22 1/8 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
2016.100.1
Credit line
Purchased as the Gift of Andrea Woodner
Time span
1726 to 1750
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • Putti
  • animal
  • Cherub
  • Figures
  • Jester
Provenance

(sale, Christie's, London, 5 July 2016, no. 40); (via Stephen Ongpin, London); purchased 2016 by NGA.

NGA object ID 207042. 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.