
Read the visual description
This is a drawing of cherubic figures interacting with large circular objects. The drawing features a group of child-like figures, likely putti, depicted in various playful poses. The forms of the figures are outlined with delicate line work. The composition includes shading and texture for depth. Some figures are inside large circles while others are outside. The style is reminiscent of artists like Peter Paul Rubens. The figures are posed in ways that suggest movement and interaction, conveying innocence and playfulness. In the bottom right corner, there is a script indicating the place and date.
National Gallery of Art · Drawing
Banknote Studies [recto]
John William Casilear
- Date
- 1840
- Medium
- graphite with touches of pen and brown ink on tan wove paper
- Dimensions
- sheet: 20.4 × 26.8 cm (8 1/16 × 10 9/16 in.)
- Classification
- Drawing
- Accession number
- 1979.20.13.a
- Credit line
- John Davis Hatch Collection
- Time span
- 1826 to 1850
- Department
- CG-W
Subjects and terms
- American
- Romantic
- classical
- mythology
- Putti
Provenance
John Davis Hatch [1907-1996], by 1976; gift 1979 to the National Gallery of Art
Inscription
in artist's hand, lower right: Florence Dec. 4th 1840 / the night previous to leaving
NGA object ID 56960. 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.