Provenance

David H. McDonnell

Explore selected works

See all 293 works of art
The image displays swirling circular patterns on the surface, intertwined with organic shapes. The design resembles a marbled effect or grainy patterns in polished wood. The spirals and shapes resemble whirlpools or eddies in water. Warm brown tones with touches of deep blue and ochre enhance the natural feel of the composition.
Jean Delagrive, Various Artists, Atlas des Environs de Paris, 1740, bound volume with letterpress text title page and etching and engravings on laid paper, Gift of David H. McDonnell, 2024.82.1

Atlas des Environs de Paris

Jean Delagrive, Various Artists · 1740 · bound volume with letterpress text title page and etching and engravings on laid paper ·  Accession ID  2024.82.1

The image depicts three human figures and a cherub-like child. The central male figure is resting his head on the lap of a seated female figure. The male has short, curly hair and is mostly unclothed. The female has wavy hair and is dressed in a draped garment. The cherub has wings and is embracing the male. Next to them is a large, stylized animal, likely a dog. Nearby are a quiver of arrows and a bow. The background features trees, clouds, and a chariot being pulled by birds in the distance. There are engraved text and artists' signatures along the bottom edge of the illustration.
Philip Galle, The Death of Adonis, c. 1579, engraving on laid paper, Gift of David H. McDonnell, 2021.112.10

The Death of Adonis

Philip Galle · c. 1579 · engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  2021.112.10

The image shows a muscular, nude male figure with curly hair holding a branch with leaves and grapes in one hand and a shallow bowl in the other. A smaller figure, surrounded by grape vines, is situated next to him. In the background, there is an arched niche with radial lines. An inscription is visible beneath the figures.
Gian Jacopo Caraglio, Bacchus in a Niche, 1526, engraving on laid paper, Gift of David H. McDonnell, 2021.112.8

Bacchus in a Niche

Gian Jacopo Caraglio · 1526 · engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  2021.112.8

The image shows an aerial view of the Château de Versailles and its gardens. The perspective is elevated, offering a comprehensive view from the gardens to the distant horizon. The horizon includes the Versailles Palace, bordered by trees and landscape elements under a cloudy sky. The artwork likely uses fine lines and detailing consistent with engravings or historical etchings, accentuating the symmetry of the gardens. The color palette is monochromatic, with shades of black, gray, and beige-brown. Below are arranged flora, fountains, walkways, and structures, with sailing ships, fountains, and figures depicted closer to us. The layout narrows towards the central palace, creating depth and guiding the viewer's gaze.
Pierre Aveline the Elder, Veüe générale de la Ville et du Chateau de Versailles du côté des Jardins (View of Versailles), late 17th/early 18th century, etching and engraving on laid paper, Gift of David H. McDonnell, 2021.112.6

Veüe générale de la Ville et du Chateau de Versailles du côté des Jardins (View of Versailles)

Pierre Aveline the Elder · late 17th/early 18th century · etching and engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  2021.112.6

The image depicts a figure from the waist up, facing right. The figure is standing and holding a staff in their right hand. They have straight nose, full lips, wavy hair protruding from under a helmet decorated with feathers and ornate designs. The figure is wearing a draped garment and holding a shield with a carved head of Medusa on the left arm. In the background, there is an owl on a cloud, set against a sky with swirling line patterns.
Jan Pietersz Saenredam, Pallas Athena, c.1595, engraving on laid paper, Gift of David H. McDonnell, 2021.112.9

Pallas Athena

Jan Pietersz Saenredam · c.1595 · engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  2021.112.9

The image shows a full-body illustration of a nude male figure standing in a contrapposto position, leaning his left arm on a ornately carved wooden pedestal. His right arm hangs loosely by his side and his left leg is slightly bent, supporting much of his weight on his right leg. The man's facial features include a strong jawline, a straight nose, and distinct, forward-looking eyes, with a head of curly hair that is styled in a voluminous, classical manner. He appears to be gazing slightly upwards with a calm expression. Wrapped around the pedestal is a draped fabric that adds texture and contrast to the smooth, muscular physique of the figure. The background is plain, with subtle shading to suggest a sense of depth and dimension.
Jan de Bisschop, Apollo Sauroctonos, 1668/1669, etching on laid paper, Gift of David H. McDonnell, 2021.112.4

Apollo Sauroctonos

Jan de Bisschop · 1668/1669 · etching on laid paper ·  Accession ID  2021.112.4

The image shows a classical male figure standing in a relaxed pose. He leans on a fluted column with his left arm and holds a laurel wreath in his right hand. The figure has a stern expression, curly hair tied in a bun, and defined musculature. He stands barefoot, with his right leg slightly bent. The column has a decorative top design, and simple hatched lines in the background provide depth.
Jan de Bisschop, Apollo with the Omphalos, 1668/1669, etching on laid paper, Gift of David H. McDonnell, 2021.112.5

Apollo with the Omphalos

Jan de Bisschop · 1668/1669 · etching on laid paper ·  Accession ID  2021.112.5

The image depicts two male figures, focusing on the upper half of their bodies. One man is seated and leaning back, mostly nude with a cloth covering his lower body. He has defined muscles and his face is partially turned away, showing only the bridge of his nose and lips. The man standing behind him holds the seated man's arm and shoulder. This standing man has a determined expression with furrowed brows and curly hair. He wears a long-sleeved robe gathered at the waist. The background shows a tree and foliage visible through a window, with ornamental drapery and a tiled floor. No jewelry or objects are visible.
Georg Siegmund Facius, Johann Gottlieb Facius, John Boydell, Daedalus and Icarus, 1779, stipple etching and engraving on laid paper, Gift of David H. McDonnell, 2021.112.1

Daedalus and Icarus

Georg Siegmund Facius, Johann Gottlieb Facius, John Boydell · 1779 · stipple etching and engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  2021.112.1

This is a drawing of a grand architectural interior. The image depicts a vast, elaborately decorated hall featuring numerous intricately carved columns and arches. The structure showcases a rich use of decorative stonework with twisted columns and ornate ceiling panels. The space is enclosed by a series of arches that suggest depth and grandeur, extending into the distance. The floor is composed of rectangular tiles leading the eye toward a focal point at the center of the composition. There are several statues alongside the architecture that add to the opulent and majestic ambiance, mimicking classical figures. The drawing utilizes contrasting tones to distinguish elements and create a sense of depth and three-dimensionality.
Giuseppe Galli Bibiena, A Stage Design for an Opera with Actors, 18th century, pen and black and brown ink with gray and brown wash on laid paper, laid down, Gift of David H. McDonnell, 2022.14.1

A Stage Design for an Opera with Actors

Giuseppe Galli Bibiena · 18th century · pen and black and brown ink with gray and brown wash on laid paper, laid down ·  Accession ID  2022.14.1

This is a painting depicting a woodland scene with putti and a reclining figure draped in flowing fabrics. The background includes lush trees and a bright blue sky, with small winged figures resembling cherubs frolicking among themselves. An urn is situated nearby with intricate detailing. The style is reminiscent of François Boucher's ornate and playful Rococo themes, and the overall mood is dreamlike with soft pastel tones.
Jacques Charlier, Sleeping Bacchantes, 3rd quarter of the 18th century, gouache on vellum, Gift of David H. McDonnell, 2017.126.6

Sleeping Bacchantes

Jacques Charlier · 3rd quarter of the 18th century · gouache on vellum ·  Accession ID  2017.126.6