A Magician

c. 1826

Sir George Hayter

Associated Names
Sir George Hayter

Artist, British, 1792 - 1871

The image shows a person seated on the left, facing slightly to the right. The person is seated on a throne or a raised platform, with one knee raised and one arm extended upward with an index finger pointing. This individual has long, flowing hair and a long beard. They are adorned in a long, flowing garment with elaborate designs and wear a distinctive headpiece that points upwards. The person holds a staff or scepter in one hand. On the right of the image, there is a faint sketch of a second figure, which appears to be a woman with a flowing gown and wings. The background features loose sketches of clouds and plant life, with some foliage visible at the bottom right of the image. There are no visible objects or jewelry besides the staff held by the seated figure. The overall scene is primarily composed of detailed lines and shading on an otherwise pale backdrop.

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 brush and brown ink over graphite on gray wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of William B. O'Neal

  • Dimensions

    overall: 27.3 x 37.8 cm (10 3/4 x 14 7/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1995.52.76


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Charles Edward Kennaway, England [1800-1875]; (Sabin Galleries, Ltd., London); purchased by William B. O'Neal, Charlottesville, VA, 1977-1994; gift to NGA, 1995.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1993

  • Drawings from the O'Neal Collection, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1993, no. 48.

1996

  • Drawings from the O'Neal Collection, Georgia Museum of Art, The University of Georgia, Athens, 4 May-16 June, 1996.

2006

  • The Artist's Vision: Romantic Traditions in Great Britain, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 2006 - 2007

Bibliography

1993

  • NGA O'Neal 1993, ex 48.

Inscriptions

by later hand, center right verso in graphite: CH / 46/13 / 12 1/4 x 16 3/8 / ON / DARK BROWN. / 4W24

Wikidata ID

Q64631908

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