Bible Lesson [recto]

1780/1790

Mather Brown

Associated Names
Mather Brown

Artist, American, 1761 - 1831

This is a drawing of a group of figures interacting with books or texts. The scene contains lightly sketched figures gathered together, with some standing and others seated or kneeling. In the background are two large tablets with indistinct writing resembling the tablets of the Ten Commandments. The central figure holds a paper or scroll, while others are engaged in discussion or attentive listening. The fluid lines and subtle shading convey movement and interaction. The use of ink and wash gives the drawing a soft, flowing appearance, and the details suggest a scene of teaching or religious study.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and brown ink over graphite on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    John Davis Hatch Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 18.9 × 20.1 cm (7 7/16 × 7 15/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1979.20.11.a

Associated Artworks

This is a drawing of a bearded figure in robes and a nude figure. The first figure is dressed in robes with a gesture of movement. The other figure is nude with lines indicating movement or wind. The sketch seems unfinished, with detailed ink work on the robed figure and lighter pencil work on the other. Water stains and smudges give the piece an aged appearance. The style may be influenced by early modern European figurative art.

Three Figures [verso]

Mather Brown

1780


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. 6.

Watermarks

(unidentified)

Wikidata ID

Q64608246

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