A Young Woman Overcome by Love [recto]

c. 1763

Jean-Baptiste Deshays

Associated Names
Jean-Baptiste Deshays

Artist, French, 1729 - 1765

This is a drawing with intricate figures and abstract shapes, executed with loose brushwork. The color palette consists of browns and beiges. The lines suggest movement and activity. The central portion appears to show a gathering of figures. The background has swirling strokes, creating depth. The work carries an energetic atmosphere.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    black and red chalks with brown wash on buff laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    overall: 27.5 x 46.7 cm (10 13/16 x 18 3/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1994.11.1.a

Associated Artworks

The image shows a human figure, focusing on the upper body, head, and torso. The person is posed in a relaxed manner, facing the right side of the image with one arm slightly raised. The face has calm features, with a short swept-back hairstyle and loose curls framing the face. The figure is unclothed, and the background consists of abstract lines implying movement. There is no jewelry visible, and the drawing is done with various shades of pencil or charcoal to define the figure's outlines. The background is plain, with faint lines, emphasizing the figure's silhouette.

A Reclining Nude with Her Right Arm Raised over a Swift Composition Study [verso]

Jean-Baptiste Deshays

1758

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(sale, Paris, Nouveau Drouot, 11 March 1988, lot 79); (sale, London, Christie's, 6 July 1993, no. 141); (Succi Ltd., London); purchased by NGA, 1994.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2009

  • Renaissance to Revolution: French Drawings from the National Gallery of Art, 1500-1800. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2009, 166-167, 285, no. 72 (color; recto and verso).

Bibliography

2008

  • Bancel, André. Jean-Baptiste Deshays, 1729-1765. Paris, 2008: 64, 228, no. D.101.

Wikidata ID

Q64581120

You may be interested in

Loading Results