Read the visual description
The image shows a pencil sketch of a reclining figure holding a large mirror at an angle. The figure has long hair and is wearing draped clothing. In the background, there is another figure with wavy hair partially emerging from a circular frame. Various abstract and architectural elements are present in the background, such as a tall obelisk and a structure on the left.
National Gallery of Art · Drawing
Allegorical Frame with a Genius and a Veiled Woman Writing
Gabriel Jacques de Saint-Aubin
- Date
- c. 1769
- Medium
- black chalk on laid paper
- Dimensions
- overall: 14.6 x 8.3 cm (5 3/4 x 3 1/4 in.)
- Classification
- Drawing
- Accession number
- 1978.84.2
- Credit line
- Gift of Regina Slatkin in memory of Charles E. Slatkin
- Time span
- 1751 to 1775
- Department
- CG-E
Subjects and terms
- French
- male
- portrait
- Writer
- Young, Edward
Provenance
De Goncourt (Lugt 1089); Mrs. Charles E. Slatkin [1909-1999]; gift 1978 to NGA.
Inscription
across bottom in black chalk: Gabriel de St Aubin.f.l'âme de Yong sous le voile de la nuit écrit avec une/plume noire et parmi des tombeaux, Ce qui lui inspire Son génie brulant qui d'une main soutient le portraist de Yong meme et de l'autre lui montre le [terme?] de Silence; verso, in another hand in graphite at center top: 5; and in red chalk at upper left: 24#
Watermarks
present but not identified
NGA object ID 56792. 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.