ORThe Open Room
Digital gallery
Back to the NGA collection
The image displays flowing lines and shapes creating an intricate design, conveying movement. It is an abstract depiction resembling a stylized wave or wood scroll, with detailed leaf-like patterns adding a natural element. On the left, clusters of textured shapes resembling grapes and foliage enhance the natural connection.
Read the visual description

The image displays flowing lines and shapes creating an intricate design, conveying movement. It is an abstract depiction resembling a stylized wave or wood scroll, with detailed leaf-like patterns adding a natural element. On the left, clusters of textured shapes resembling grapes and foliage enhance the natural connection.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

Acanthus Ornament

French 18th Century

Date
c. 1760
Medium
red and black chalk on laid paper
Dimensions
sheet: 29.1 × 44.6 cm (11 7/16 × 17 9/16 in.) mount: 35 × 50.1 cm (13 3/4 × 19 3/4 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
2019.64.2
Credit line
Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Time span
1751 to 1775
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record
Provenance

(Galerie Nathalie Motte Masselink, Paris); purchased 2019 by NGA.

Inscription

lower left in chalk or graphite: Jules(?); by later hand, lower right verso in graphite: 3 sty[not deciphered] / 36-51

NGA object ID 219040. 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.