Composition with Four Figures [recto and verso]

c. 1805

Attributed to Washington Allston

Associated Names
Washington Allston

Artist, American, 1779 - 1843

This is a drawing depicting a scene with a group of individuals and a figure kneeling. The image is rendered in a loose style using washes of dark brown ink, creating a monochromatic effect. The composition includes a kneeling figure making a supplicating gesture towards a group of standing individuals. The background shows hills and a bridge, adding depth to the scene. The outlines of the figures are sketchy yet decisive, suggesting movement and interaction within a possibly historical or allegorical setting. The medium and style give the scene spontaneity and emotive power, encouraging contemplation of the narrative content.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and brown ink with gray wash over graphite on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    John Davis Hatch Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 13.2 × 11.1 cm (5 3/16 × 4 3/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1979.20.4


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

John Davis Hatch [1907-1996], by 1976; gift 1979 to the National Gallery of Art

Associated Names

Bibliography

1976

  • Hatch, John Davis. 100 American Drawings: Loan Exhibition from the Collection of John Davis Hatch. London: Heim Gallery, 1976, no. 8.

Inscriptions

from dettached mount: in brown ink recto: original sketch on two sides, by Washington Allstyn/ Made for the late John Vanderlyn; in brown ink verso: Sketch on two sides original by Washington Allstyn; lower right verso in graphite: 4

Wikidata ID

Q64536928

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