Provenance

David Keppel

American, 1877 - 1956

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A boy raises an oversized sword high over a man who has fallen face down as others fight in a landscape in this horizontal woodblock print. The scene is printed with three blocks, two in shades of olive green and the third in black. The cream-white of the paper creates the highlights. The boy kneels with one knee pressed between the shoulders of the fallen man. The boy wears a toga and lifts the sword with both hands. Much larger than the boy, the muscular man reaches one hand forward, the fingers raised. Beyond this pair and to the left, some men kneel with their hands held up and together toward others who hurl stones or a lance at soldiers to the right. A man carries a fluttering banner in front of tents in the background in the rightmost quarter of the image, and another armored man runs away from the action, toward us and to our right along the right edge of the sheet. There are trees and hills in the background under bands of clouds in the sky. An inscription was carved out of the bottom center of the pale olive-green block so white text reads, “RAPHAEL VRBINAS. P. VGO DACARPO.”
Ugo da Carpi, David Slaying Goliath, c. 1520, chiaroscuro woodcut (3 blocks), Gift of David Keppel, 1943.12.6

David Slaying Goliath

Ugo da Carpi · c. 1520 · chiaroscuro woodcut (3 blocks) ·  Accession ID  1943.12.6

This is a drawing of an architectural scene featuring classical ruins and natural elements. The composition includes fragmented columns, statues, inscriptions, and a robed figure at the center. Foliage and trees are intertwined with the stonework, creating a blend of nature and architecture. The detailed linework adds texture to the materials depicted, with a monochrome palette emphasizing the contrast between the structures and organic growth.
Giovanni Battista Piranesi, Frontispiece, with Statue of Minerva, probably 1747/1748, etching, Gift of David Keppel, 1943.10.49

Frontispiece, with Statue of Minerva

Giovanni Battista Piranesi · probably 1747/1748 · etching ·  Accession ID  1943.10.49

The sculpture depicts the head of a person in ancient Egyptian style. The person has a large forehead, almond-shaped eyes, and a small smile. The hair is shown as a thick wig with straight bangs and long strands falling to the shoulders. Carved from dark stone, the sculpture has a smooth surface with a subtle sheen. There are signs of wear around the edges, suggesting age and possibly that it is part of a larger artwork. The hair is detailed with horizontal lines and a textured pattern towards the ends, adding to the lifelike but formalized appearance typical of ancient Egyptian art.
Anonymous Artist, Male Head, probably 19th or early 20th century, black granite, Gift of David Keppel, 1949.15.1

Male Head

Anonymous Artist · probably 19th or early 20th century · black granite ·  Accession ID  1949.15.1

The image shows a woman standing and leaning against a low wall outdoors. She has an elaborate hairstyle with large curls and wears a flowing gown with a pendant necklace. The background includes lush trees, foliage, and a pathway leading into the distance.
Valentine Green, Lady Elizabeth Compton, 1781, mezzotint, Gift of David Keppel, 1944.10.1

Lady Elizabeth Compton

Valentine Green · 1781 · mezzotint ·  Accession ID  1944.10.1

The image shows an etching of an ancient stone bridge with arches and a fortified structure on top. The perspective is slightly elevated. The horizon is low with distant trees and landforms. The detailed brushstrokes depict stone textures and architecture realistically. The color palette is monochromatic in black and white. Figures and boats are near the water, and a structure or tower is visible in the distance among hills and trees.
Giovanni Battista Piranesi, Veduta del Ponte Salario, 1756/1757, etching, Gift of David Keppel, 1943.10.47

Veduta del Ponte Salario

Giovanni Battista Piranesi · 1756/1757 · etching ·  Accession ID  1943.10.47

This is a drawing of the interior of a large basilica. It features a series of grand arches and towering columns along the main nave. The ceiling has visible beams, and the far end of the basilica has intricate artworks and statues within an arched apse. The walls are decorated with reliefs and panels. The floor space is open and spacious, with natural light coming in through a row of arched windows along the upper level.
Giovanni Battista Piranesi, Spaccato interno della Basilica di S. Paolo fuori delle Mura, probably 1748/1749, etching, Gift of David Keppel, 1943.10.9

Spaccato interno della Basilica di S. Paolo fuori delle Mura

Giovanni Battista Piranesi · probably 1748/1749 · etching ·  Accession ID  1943.10.9

The image shows five women seated in a row, facing towards the right. They are sitting on chairs around a fireplace. Four of the women have their heads slightly tilted towards each other. They have dark hair and wear long, dark dresses with white collars. One woman is holding an object. The scene is indoors with a fireplace on the right and a table with candles and a book on the left. There is a chandelier above. The walls are plain, and there is a partially visible window on the left.
Abraham Bosse, Les Vierges sages, Nul vain objet..., engraving, Gift of David Keppel, 1948.4.1

Les Vierges sages, Nul vain objet...

Abraham Bosse · · engraving ·  Accession ID  1948.4.1

The image shows three figures. The central figure is seated and holding a child who stands on her leg. The woman has rounded facial features, wavy hair, and is dressed in a flowing garment. She holds a book in her hand. Beside her, a nude child stands with outstretched arms. Another nude child is seated on her left, holding a cross. The background shows a natural setting with detailed plant life in the foreground and a serene landscape in the background, including mountains, buildings, and a cloud-speckled sky.
Baron Auguste-Gaspard-Louis Desnoyers, The Alba Madonna, 1827, engraving, Gift of David Keppel, 1945.3.1

The Alba Madonna

Baron Auguste-Gaspard-Louis Desnoyers · 1827 · engraving ·  Accession ID  1945.3.1

The image features three birds and a bat arranged on a wooden surface. A crow with outstretched wings is on the left, an owl with wide-spread wings on the right, and a smaller hawk with folded wings at the center bottom. Above the hawk is a bat with extended wings. The colors in the image are primarily grayscale. The wooden surface has vertical planks, and a metal hinge detail is visible on the right side.
Félix Bracquemond, Le haut d'un battant de porte (Birds Nailed to a Barn Door), 1852, etching on laid paper, Rosenwald Collection, 1944.8.5

Le haut d'un battant de porte (Birds Nailed to a Barn Door)

Félix Bracquemond · 1852 · etching on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1944.8.5

The image shows an older man seated in a chair, positioned slightly turned to the side. He has one hand resting on his lap and the other holding a piece of fabric. His facial features include a white beard and mustache, heavy eyelids, and a gentle expression. He wears a cap and a long coat with detailed buttons, along with a pleated ruff around his neck. The background includes a table with papers, an inkwell, and a quill. The backdrop is dark and textured, creating depth to the portrait. No jewelry is visible, and the setting suggests a scholarly or stately environment.
Cornelis Visscher, Gellius de Bouma, engraving and etching, Gift of David Keppel, 1950.9.1

Gellius de Bouma

Cornelis Visscher · · engraving and etching ·  Accession ID  1950.9.1

Bibliography

1956

  • David Keppel [obituary], The New York Times, 15 October 1956.