Sketches of Tombs

1779 / 1784

Louis-Jean Desprez

Associated Names
Louis-Jean Desprez

Artist, French, 1743 - 1804

This is a drawing of a ship and a statue sketch. The drawing consists of three distinct pencil sketches spread across a blank page. On the left side, two small sketches of ships are visible. Toward the center and right area of the page, there is a sketch of a statue standing on a pedestal. The statue is drawn in a simplified form, and a faint semicircle arcs over it. The overall appearance is minimalistic, with the sketches appearing unfinished or in draft form, focused on basic shapes and structures.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

Associated Artworks

This is a drawing of an underground chamber. The scene depicts a central figure standing behind or emerging from a large, geometric sarcophagus. The figure is surrounded by smoke or mist. Flanking the central figure, there are two large sculptures of seated lions facing each other on stone pedestals. The chamber is constructed of large stone blocks, and the floor is made of tiled stones. The walls curve to form an arch above the sarcophagus, and there are hieroglyphics etched into the pedestal in front of the sarcophagus. The drawing has a sepia tone.

Tomb with Death Standing

Louis-Jean Desprez

1779

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Private collection, Milan; by descent to the 19th century; private collection, Italy; (Il Bulino Antiche Stampe di Matteo Crespi, Milan); purchased 2019 by NGA.

Associated Names

Watermarks

J. Honig & Zoonen

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