Two Elegant Couples [verso]

c. 1780

Francesco Guardi

Associated Names
Francesco Guardi

Artist, Venetian, 1712 - 1793

The image shows three figures standing together. They wear elaborate headdresses with feathers or decorations and voluminous clothing. The figures appear to be in a loosely gathered group, with two closer together on the right side and one standing slightly apart on the left. The figures have indistinct facial features and the background is plain and neutral.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

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

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    overall: 8 x 20 cm (3 1/8 x 7 7/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1986.13.1.b

Associated Artworks

This is a drawing of several figures and ducks. The drawing depicts a collection of loosely sketched figures across a simple and almost blank background. On the left, a figure stands adorned with clothing, drawn in an expressive manner with undefined features. In the center, another figure leans forward, appearing to engage with three duck-like creatures on the ground, drawn with quick lines and minimal detail. To the far right, a figure stands with a staff or walking stick, dressed in similarly unrefined attire. The entire scene is sketched in brown ink, showcasing quick, animated line work.

An Elegant Couple, a Gooseboy, and a Gentleman [recto]

Francesco Guardi

1780

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Richard Ederheimer, New York); S. de Ricci, New York; Stephen B. Clark, New York; Janos Scholz [1903-1993], New York; Walter Hugelshofer, Zurch; private collection, America; (sale, Sotheby's, New York, 16 January 1986, no. 143); acquired by the National Gallery of Art.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2014

  • The Poetry of Light - La poesia della luce: Venetian Drawings from the National Gallery of Art, Museo Correr, Venice, Venice, 2014 - 2015, no. 108.

Bibliography

1975

  • Morassi, Antonio. Tutti i disegni di Antonio, Francesco e Giacomo Guardi. Venice, 1975: 118, nos. 224 and 225, figs. 227, 228.

Wikidata ID

Q64562386

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