The image features a series of curved and angular lines that form an abstract shape. The shapes create a design reminiscent of a musical instrument, such as a saxophone or a horn, with tubes and valves. The composition is abstract, with various lines and dots providing texture that conveys rhythm and movement. The intertwining lines and curves appear to replicate the complexity and fluidity of an instrument. The use of dense black ink accents and lighter sketch lines highlight specific areas, resembling sound waves or musical notes.
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The image features a series of curved and angular lines that form an abstract shape. The shapes create a design reminiscent of a musical instrument, such as a saxophone or a horn, with tubes and valves. The composition is abstract, with various lines and dots providing texture that conveys rhythm and movement. The intertwining lines and curves appear to replicate the complexity and fluidity of an instrument. The use of dense black ink accents and lighter sketch lines highlight specific areas, resembling sound waves or musical notes.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

A Lock

Sir David Wilkie

Medium
pen and black-brown ink with gray wash on wove paper
Dimensions
overall: 6 x 2.8 cm (2 3/8 x 1 1/8 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
1995.52.208
Credit line
Gift of William B. O'Neal
Time span
1776 to 1800
Department
CG-E

Subjects and terms

  • object
  • Scottish
  • Lock
Provenance

Mrs. N.C. Butler; (Thos. Agnew & Sons Ltd., London); purchased by William B. O'Neal, Charlottesville, VA, 1968-1994; gift to NGA, 1995. Mrs. N.C. Butler was a descendant of a friend of the artist's (according to O'Neal records).

NGA object ID 91015. 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.