Studies for Six Figures (sheet from a model book) [recto]

c. 1450/1460

German 15th Century

Associated Names
This is a drawing of four draped figures and some additional sketch lines. The image appears to be a study or preparatory sketch of figures practicing drapery and human form posing. Each of the figures is rendered with a focus on the folds and gradients of fabric as well as the stance or gesture of the figures, emphasizing the movement and placement of cloth. The figure on the top left is depicted as if caught in mid-step or action. The central figure is seated in a resting pose, hands together in front under a detailed cloak. The third figure, to the right, is also seated with rich cloth folds. The final two outlined figures at the bottom appear to be lying or reclined, one fully detailed while the other emphasizes garment layout. The use of shading and texture captures the realistic draping of the fabrics on the figures.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and black and brown ink with gray wash heightened with white on brown-gray prepared paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    overall: 14.7 x 19.2 cm (5 13/16 x 7 9/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1974.20.2.a

Associated Artworks

God the Father (sheet from a model book) [verso]

German 15th Century

1450


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

A. Marquet de Vasselot [1840- 1904] (Lugt 2499); Dr. A. Ritter von Wurzbach-Tannenberg [1845-1915] (Lugt 2587). (Schaeffer Galleries, New York); acquired 1974 by NGA.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1974

  • NGA Recent Acquisitions 1974, no. 2.

1979

  • Early German Drawings & Prints: Two Recent Acquisitions and Related Works, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1979, no. 1.

Inscriptions

lower center in red chalk: 43

Wikidata ID

Q64571830

You may be interested in

Loading Results