
Read the visual description
This is a drawing of a group of figures interacting with books or texts. The scene contains lightly sketched figures gathered together, with some standing and others seated or kneeling. In the background are two large tablets with indistinct writing resembling the tablets of the Ten Commandments. The central figure holds a paper or scroll, while others are engaged in discussion or attentive listening. The fluid lines and subtle shading convey movement and interaction. The use of ink and wash gives the drawing a soft, flowing appearance, and the details suggest a scene of teaching or religious study.
National Gallery of Art · Drawing
Bible Lesson [recto]
Mather Brown
- Date
- 1780/1790
- Medium
- pen and brown ink over graphite on laid paper
- Dimensions
- sheet: 18.9 × 20.1 cm (7 7/16 × 7 15/16 in.)
- Classification
- Drawing
- Accession number
- 1979.20.11.a
- Credit line
- John Davis Hatch Collection
- Time span
- 1776 to 1800
- Department
- CG-W
Subjects and terms
- American
- forms of worship
- religious
Provenance
John Davis Hatch [1907-1996], by 1976; gift 1979 to the National Gallery of Art
Watermarks
(unidentified)
NGA object ID 56957. 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.