The image shows a person seated on the left, facing slightly to the right. The person is seated on a throne or a raised platform, with one knee raised and one arm extended upward with an index finger pointing. This individual has long, flowing hair and a long beard. They are adorned in a long, flowing garment with elaborate designs and wear a distinctive headpiece that points upwards. The person holds a staff or scepter in one hand. On the right of the image, there is a faint sketch of a second figure, which appears to be a woman with a flowing gown and wings. The background features loose sketches of clouds and plant life, with some foliage visible at the bottom right of the image. There are no visible objects or jewelry besides the staff held by the seated figure. The overall scene is primarily composed of detailed lines and shading on an otherwise pale backdrop.
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The image shows a person seated on the left, facing slightly to the right. The person is seated on a throne or a raised platform, with one knee raised and one arm extended upward with an index finger pointing. This individual has long, flowing hair and a long beard. They are adorned in a long, flowing garment with elaborate designs and wear a distinctive headpiece that points upwards. The person holds a staff or scepter in one hand. On the right of the image, there is a faint sketch of a second figure, which appears to be a woman with a flowing gown and wings. The background features loose sketches of clouds and plant life, with some foliage visible at the bottom right of the image. There are no visible objects or jewelry besides the staff held by the seated figure. The overall scene is primarily composed of detailed lines and shading on an otherwise pale backdrop.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

A Magician

Sir George Hayter

Date
c. 1826
Medium
pen and brush and brown ink over graphite on gray wove paper
Dimensions
overall: 27.3 x 37.8 cm (10 3/4 x 14 7/8 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
1995.52.76
Credit line
Gift of William B. O'Neal
Time span
1826 to 1850
Department
CG-E

Subjects and terms

  • British
  • Seated figure
  • Magician
  • Bed
  • Female figure
Provenance

Charles Edward Kennaway, England [1800-1875]; (Sabin Galleries, Ltd., London); purchased by William B. O'Neal, Charlottesville, VA, 1977-1994; gift to NGA, 1995.

Inscription

by later hand, center right verso in graphite: CH / 46/13 / 12 1/4 x 16 3/8 / ON / DARK BROWN. / 4W24

NGA object ID 76050. 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.