Studies with Central Female Face

John Hamilton Mortimer

Associated Names
John Hamilton Mortimer

Artist, British, 1740 - 1779

The image is a sketch featuring several partial figures and faces, depicted in fragments rather than complete bodies. In the center of the sketch, there is a larger head with detailed facial features, including downward-looking eyes, a straight nose, and a somber mouth, along with flowing hair. Surrounding this central head are various less-detailed sketches of figures in different positions, some showing upper bodies, while others display only heads or abstract shapes. The sketches are done in thin, dark lines on a light, neutral-toned background, appearing unfinished and layered.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and black and brown inks over black chalk on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of William B. O'Neal

  • Dimensions

    overall: 20.8 x 18.4 cm (8 3/16 x 7 1/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1995.52.125.b

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Sunderland 1986, no. 268

Associated Artworks

The image shows six figures standing in a circle around a large ornate basin or urn. The figures are sketched in a minimalist style with flowing robes, and their stances suggest interaction. One figure to the right gestures towards the basin while the others appear to listen attentively or look towards the center. The figures are drawn with fluid lines, conveying movement and engagement. The style emphasizes contours and gestures, creating an elegant and dynamic composition.

Mucius Scaevola [recto]

John Hamilton Mortimer

1740

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(sale, Dr. Ernest Hauswedell, Hamburg, 4 June 1970, no. 264). (Sabin Galleries, Ltd., London); purchased by William B. O'Neal, Charlottesville, VA, 1976; gift to NGA, 1995.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1975

  • "Early English Watercolours and Drawings," Sabin Galleries, Ltd., London, 1975, no. 85.

Bibliography

1986

  • Sunderland, John. "John Hamilton Mortimer: His Life and Works," Walpole Society 52 (1986): no. 268, fig. 400.

Wikidata ID

Q64582777

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