Four Cherubs at Target Practice

Gilles Demarteau, the Elder after François Boucher

Associated Names
Gilles Demarteau the Elder

Artist, French, 1722 - 1776

François Boucher

Artist After, French, 1703 - 1770

This is a drawing of four cherubs playing in the clouds. The scene captures four cherubic figures, each with plump bodies and wings, interacting playfully among themselves. One cherub at the center holds a bow, another is leaning towards this central figure, and the other two cherubs are engaged, one holding an arrow and the other gazing towards the central activity. The soft, curved lines and use of chiaroscuro add to the ethereal and playful atmosphere. The arrangement suggests movement, conveyed through the swirling cloud-like forms that envelop the cherubs.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    chalk manner in black on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ellwanger/Mescha Collection

  • Dimensions

    plate: 30 x 43.5 cm (11 13/16 x 17 1/8 in.)
    sheet: 31.5 x 51 cm (12 3/8 x 20 1/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2002.156.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Leymarie 1896, no. 110

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Ellwanger/Mescha Collection; gift to NGA, 2002.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1896

  • Leymarie, L. de. L'Oeuvre de Gilles Demarteau l'aine graveur du roi, catalogue descriptif. Paris: Georges Rapilly, 1896: no. 110.

1978

  • Jean-Richard, Pierrette. L'oeuvre grave de François Boucher, dans la Collection Edmond de Rothschild. Paris, 1978.

Inscriptions

lower left in plate: Boucher inv. et del.; lower center in plate: A Paris chez Demarteau l'Ainé rue de la Pelterie a la Cloche; lower right in plate: Demarteau l'Aine sculp. / No 110

Wikidata ID

Q76341133

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