Rocaille Cartouche with an Eagle

mid-18th century

Pierre-Edme Babel

Associated Names
Pierre-Edme Babel

Artist, French, probably 1720 - 1775

The image depicts swirling, sinuous lines and ornate shapes in an abstract design. The border is intricately decorated with curling vine-like forms. In the center, there is a large shell-like structure flanked by floral embellishments. Below, there is a form reminiscent of an eagle or mythical bird with outstretched wings. The design is enclosed by a double border with blue and brown lines.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    gray wash with pen and brown ink and traces of graphite on laid paper, laid down on an old mount

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 43.6 × 27.8 cm (17 3/16 × 10 15/16 in.)
    mount: 50.9 × 35.7 cm (20 1/16 × 14 1/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2018.57.3

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Paul Prouté, S.A., Paris); purchased 2018 by NGA.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

by later hand, lower center in graphite: Babel f.

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