This is a drawing of several figures and ducks. The drawing depicts a collection of loosely sketched figures across a simple and almost blank background. On the left, a figure stands adorned with clothing, drawn in an expressive manner with undefined features. In the center, another figure leans forward, appearing to engage with three duck-like creatures on the ground, drawn with quick lines and minimal detail. To the far right, a figure stands with a staff or walking stick, dressed in similarly unrefined attire. The entire scene is sketched in brown ink, showcasing quick, animated line work.
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This is a drawing of several figures and ducks. The drawing depicts a collection of loosely sketched figures across a simple and almost blank background. On the left, a figure stands adorned with clothing, drawn in an expressive manner with undefined features. In the center, another figure leans forward, appearing to engage with three duck-like creatures on the ground, drawn with quick lines and minimal detail. To the far right, a figure stands with a staff or walking stick, dressed in similarly unrefined attire. The entire scene is sketched in brown ink, showcasing quick, animated line work.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

An Elegant Couple, a Gooseboy, and a Gentleman [recto]

Francesco Guardi

Date
c. 1780
Medium
pen and brown ink with brown and gray wash over black chalk on laid paper
Dimensions
overall: 8 x 20 cm (3 1/8 x 7 7/8 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
1986.13.1.a
Credit line
Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Time span
1776 to 1800
Department
CG-E

Subjects and terms

  • Baroque
  • figure
  • Venetian
Provenance

(Richard Ederheimer, New York); S. de Ricci, New York; Stephen B. Clark, New York; Janos Scholz [1903-1993], New York; Walter Hugelshofer, Zurch; private collection, America; (sale, Sotheby's, New York, 16 January 1986, no. 143); acquired by the National Gallery of Art.

NGA object ID 66770. 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.