Banknote Studies [recto]

1840

John William Casilear

Associated Names
John William Casilear

Artist, American, 1811 - 1893

This is a drawing of cherubic figures interacting with large circular objects. The drawing features a group of child-like figures, likely putti, depicted in various playful poses. The forms of the figures are outlined with delicate line work. The composition includes shading and texture for depth. Some figures are inside large circles while others are outside. The style is reminiscent of artists like Peter Paul Rubens. The figures are posed in ways that suggest movement and interaction, conveying innocence and playfulness. In the bottom right corner, there is a script indicating the place and date.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    graphite with touches of pen and brown ink on tan wove paper

  • Credit Line

    John Davis Hatch Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 20.4 × 26.8 cm (8 1/16 × 10 9/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1979.20.13.a

Associated Artworks

This is a collection of conceptual sketches for architectural and decorative sculptures. The drawings include pencil depictions of classical figures in ornamental designs. The central sketch portrays a pedestal with four robed figures and a seated figure holding a staff on a cornice. In the top right, a solitary figure holds a spear. Above the central scene, there is an outline of figures under an arch, possibly part of a frieze or mural. The drawings emphasize symmetry and balance, typical of classical architectural decoration. The paper's texture and delicate lines suggest an aged appearance.

Studies of Classical Temple Facades and Seated Female Figure [verso]

John William Casilear

1811


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. 34.

Inscriptions

in artist's hand, lower right: Florence Dec. 4th 1840 / the night previous to leaving

Wikidata ID

Q64584487

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