Provenance

Mr. Bernard Houthakker

Netherlandish, 1884 - 1963

Explore selected works

See all 21 works of art
This is a drawing of an architectural interior with various wooden beams and structures. The drawing depicts a wooden interior with a large open area, overhead wooden beam structure, high ceiling, staircase leading up to a balcony with railings, barrels, and a ladder against a pillar. In the background, there are hints of other buildings and trees, indicating a larger rural complex or village. The style is detailed, focusing primarily on the architectural elements and their interactions with the surroundings.
Michele Canzio, Interior of a Barn Built on Ancient Ruins, pen and brown ink with brown chalk over graphite on wove paper, incised for transfer, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1997.75.1

Interior of a Barn Built on Ancient Ruins

Michele Canzio · · pen and brown ink with brown chalk over graphite on wove paper, incised for transfer ·  Accession ID  1997.75.1

The image depicts a drawing showing multiple full-body figures engaged in various activities. Central in the foreground, two figures, a man and a woman, appear to be interacting closely; the man is standing with one hand on his hip, wearing historical attire with breeches and a vest, while the woman beside him is in a dress with embellishments. To the left, three figures are seated around a table; an adult appears to be caring for a child, with the other adult figure draped in fabric. On the right, a group of figures is depicted ascending or descending a staircase, dressed in historical attire. The setting indicates an ornate interior space, possibly a grand hall, with large architectural features like columns and draped curtains adding depth and texture to the composition. The background is filled with architectural elements.
Luis Paret y Alcázar, Dance in a Palace, c. 1770/1775, pen and black ink with gray wash over graphite and squared in graphite on laid paper, Gift of the Christian Humann Foundation, 1996.128.31

Dance in a Palace

Luis Paret y Alcázar · c. 1770/1775 · pen and black ink with gray wash over graphite and squared in graphite on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1996.128.31

The image shows a large circular castle-like building on the right side, with a low horizon on the center-right meeting a reflective water surface. The brushstrokes are subtle and delicate, emphasizing details and smooth transitions between shades. The color palette consists of gray and sepia tones. The water reflects the structures, creating depth. In the distance to the left, additional buildings with pointed roofs and smaller towers are visible.
Roelant Roghman, Culemborg Castle, 1647, black chalk with gray wash over graphite on laid paper, Woodner Collection, Gift of Andrea Woodner, 2006.11.20

Culemborg Castle

Roelant Roghman · 1647 · black chalk with gray wash over graphite on laid paper ·  Accession ID  2006.11.20

The image features a pastoral landscape with people engaging in leisure activities near a body of water. There is an elaborate stone structure with a relief, partially covered by a tree. In the distance, sailboats can be seen on the water. The brushstrokes are delicate, creating a tranquil ambiance. The color palette is soft and earthy, with browns, greens, and white accents. The scene conveys a serene afternoon by the shore.
Antonio Visentini, A Landscape with Seated Soldiers and Fishermen, black chalk with watercolor and white heightening on brown washed laid paper, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1972.2.2

A Landscape with Seated Soldiers and Fishermen

Antonio Visentini · · black chalk with watercolor and white heightening on brown washed laid paper ·  Accession ID  1972.2.2

This is an illustration of an architectural facade. It shows a detailed building front with Baroque style. The facade has elaborate carvings, decorations, columns, pilasters with moldings, niches with sculptures, and a grand entrance. Additional sculptures are positioned at the top and by the entryway. The design emphasizes symmetry and grandeur typical of Baroque architecture.
Piedmontese 18th Century, Elevation for a Church Facade, with Alternatives, first half 18th century, pen and brown ink with gray and brown washes over graphite on laid paper, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1997.75.5

Elevation for a Church Facade, with Alternatives

Piedmontese 18th Century · first half 18th century · pen and brown ink with gray and brown washes over graphite on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1997.75.5

The image displays a circular design filled with intricate shapes and lines forming radial symmetry. At the center is a star-like pattern with multiple points radiating outward, surrounded by abstract motifs resembling ornate leaves and scrolls. Oval shapes, similar to the outline of leaves, are evenly distributed around the central star, each set within detailed ornamental designs. The composition is reminiscent of classic architectural elements and combines them into a unified circular form.
Italian 18th Century, French 18th Century, Design for an Inlaid Circular Table Top, with Alternatives, c. 1800, pen and gray ink with gray and black washes over graphite on laid paper, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1997.75.2

Design for an Inlaid Circular Table Top, with Alternatives

Italian 18th Century, French 18th Century · c. 1800 · pen and gray ink with gray and black washes over graphite on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1997.75.2

The image shows a man with his hands stretched above his head and fastened to a column. He has a pained expression on his face, sharp facial features, and curly hair. His torso is bare with a cloth around his waist. Surrounding him are winged cherubs holding ropes. In the background, there is a curtain and barren trees. The image has a classical, dramatic style with detailed engravings.
Aegidius Sadeler II, The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian, c. 1620, engraving on laid paper, Pepita Milmore Memorial Fund, 1992.18.2

The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian

Aegidius Sadeler II · c. 1620 · engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1992.18.2

This is an illustration of a heraldic composition featuring mythological figures and decorative elements. The scene includes two large, muscular male figures on either side of a central coat of arms. One figure is dressed in a draped garment and holds a club. The coat of arms is ornate with curving lines, a crowned top, and surrounded by symbols such as fleurs-de-lis. Cherubic figures are depicted around the base engaging with decorative scrollwork, each displaying intricate detailing and expressive poses. Large columns with floral designs support the structure, adding to its grandeur. The illustration is monochromatic with sepia tones, conveying an ancient and elegant feel.
Antonio Tempesta, Agostino Ciampelli, An Architectural Wall Design in Honor of Henry IV, the Gallic Hercules, c. 1600, pen and brown ink with brown wash over graphite on laid paper, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1996.73.1

An Architectural Wall Design in Honor of Henry IV, the Gallic Hercules

Antonio Tempesta, Agostino Ciampelli · c. 1600 · pen and brown ink with brown wash over graphite on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1996.73.1

This is a drawing featuring mythological figures and a large central sphere. The central round object resembles a globe or celestial body, surrounded by detailed figures personifying celestial beings or deities with ornate headpieces and garments. The figures display dynamic poses and gestures, suggesting movement and interaction. Various symbolic items like a sickle and sceptre are included. The background has cloudy textures, enhancing the mythical atmosphere.
Maarten de Vos, Apollo, Diana, and Time with the Cyclic Vicissitudes of Human Life, c. 1561, pen and brown ink with gray wash over traces of graphite, incised for transfer on laid paper; laid down, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1996.73.2

Apollo, Diana, and Time with the Cyclic Vicissitudes of Human Life

Maarten de Vos · c. 1561 · pen and brown ink with gray wash over traces of graphite, incised for transfer on laid paper; laid down ·  Accession ID  1996.73.2

The image shows two robed figures meeting in an outdoor architectural setting. The background features archways, columns, and stone buildings. The central figures are engaged in a discussion, with one extending a hand towards the other. One figure has a pointed beard and a large hat, while the other is bald. Other figures are present, with one holding dogs. The scene has depth, with figures in the foreground and background. The drawing is detailed, depicting ornate attire and architectural elements.
Karel van Mander I, The Departure of the Prodigal Son, pen and brown ink with brown wash heightened with white on laid paper, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1984.48.2

The Departure of the Prodigal Son

Karel van Mander I · · pen and brown ink with brown wash heightened with white on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1984.48.2

Bibliography

1921

  • Ref Number: 1272
    Lugt, Frits. Les marques de collections de dessins & d'estampes; marques estampillees et ecrites de collections. Amsterdam: Vereenigde drukkerijen, 1921.

  • Ref Number: 1272.
    Lugt 1272.