
Read the visual description
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.