The Hostages (Les Otages)

1915-1917

Andre Devambez

Associated Names
André Devambez

Artist, French, 1867 - 1944

This is a drawing of a group of individuals walking in a line with two figures on horseback. The scene is executed in a monochromatic style, with the figures dressed in dark, heavy garments and depicted against a sparse background. The two figures on horseback are spaced out, with one leading the line and the other following behind. The individuals walking appear to be connected to a situation of containment or supervision, suggested by their grouped arrangement and the presence of figures on horseback overseeing them. The drawing features subtle details like cobblestones underfoot. The style recalls the works of artists focused on the depiction of narrative scenes with a strong emphasis on social commentary.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching, aquatint, and roulette on buff wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    plate: 23.65 × 30.8 cm (9 5/16 × 12 1/8 in.)
    sheet: 36.83 × 48.26 cm (14 1/2 × 19 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2019.65.1.5

  • Portfolio Title

    Douze eaux-fortes [La Guerre 1914-18] (Twelve Etchings [World War I])

Associated Artworks

See all 13 artworks
The image shows an aerial view of marching soldiers stretching into the distance. A village with a church and rooftops is visible on the horizon. The artwork features intricate linework and expressive brushstrokes capturing the movement of the soldiers. The color scheme is monochromatic with black and white tones, emphasizing detail and creating a striking visual impact. The soldiers are shown marching along a path, diminishing in size towards the horizon. The landscape includes a winding path with groups of soldiers moving through it.

Cover for Douze eaux-fortes [La Guerre 1914-18] (Twelve Etchings [World War I])

André Devambez

1915

The image shows linear shapes with fabric ties on a textured, beige surface. The ties are laid out with irregular spacing, creating a geometric pattern.

Douze eaux-fortes [La Guerre 1914-18] (Twelve Etchings [World War I])

André Devambez

1915

The image depicts a view from an elevated position overlooking a rugged shoreline with rocky formations. The horizon line is faint, positioned near the top third of the image, where the ocean meets the darkened sky. Details are indistinct due to the monochromatic color palette. The work features broad, textured brushstrokes with diffused, shadowy tones. The area closest to us is filled with intricate rocky textures in varying shades of black and dark gray. In the distance, the sea extends towards the horizon with subtle shading. The overall color palette is monochrome, dominated by blacks, grays, and deep browns.

Cold (Le Froid)

André Devambez

1915

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Private collection, France; (Eric Gillis Fine Art, Brussels); purchased 2019 by NGA.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

lower left in graphite: 26/150; lower right in graphite: André Devambez; lower left in plate: André / Devambez; lower right in plate: les Otages

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