Provenance

Somerville & Simpson Ltd.

Explore selected works

This is a drawing of a group of people gathered in an architectural setting among ruins and natural surroundings. The scene is populated by figures engaged in various activities. In the foreground, a central figure kneels beside large urns. The gathered individuals display a range of expressions and postures, from attentive to curious. Architectural elements like grand columns and archways are visible in the background. The use of shading and line work brings depth to the scene, with lush foliage adding to the composition.
Sébastien Bourdon, Potare sitientes, 1665/1670, engraving, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1979.1.2

Potare sitientes

Sébastien Bourdon · 1665/1670 · engraving ·  Accession ID  1979.1.2

This is a drawing of an angel overseeing a scene set in ancient architecture with figures in flowing garments. The composition includes classical architectural elements and multiple figures in various poses. An angelic figure floats above, holding a sword or staff. Structures suggest an ancient setting with arches, towers, and distant landscapes. Figures convey emotion through gestures and interactions, such as tending to wounded or sleeping individuals. The line work, light, and shadow emphasize the drama and complexity of the scene.
Sébastien Bourdon, Aegros Curare, 1665/1670, engraving, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1979.1.5

Aegros Curare

Sébastien Bourdon · 1665/1670 · engraving ·  Accession ID  1979.1.5

This is a detailed drawing of a bustling scene in a historical setting. The drawing shows a large group of individuals gathered around a central figure. The figures are dressed in traditional garments indicating a historical or ancient timeframe. The background includes architecture with large arches and columns, creating depth. The drawing captures expressions and movements with fine strokes, bringing the setting to life. In the foreground, there are animals and scattered objects, adding to the narrative of the illustration. The composition presents a moment of historical or literary significance, paying attention to human and architectural details.
Sébastien Bourdon, Vestine nudos, 1665/1670, engraving, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1979.1.4

Vestine nudos

Sébastien Bourdon · 1665/1670 · engraving ·  Accession ID  1979.1.4

This image depicts multiple figures interacting in a classical setting. Several figures are gathered, some seated and others standing, amidst columns, drapery, and classical architecture. The characters are engaged in activities such as pouring and mixing liquid in vessels. The scene includes elaborate clothing drapery and a backdrop showing trees and a large building with smokestacks. The drawing exhibits a high level of craftsmanship, typical of classical or neoclassical themes, possibly inspired by ancient literature or mythology.
Sébastien Bourdon, Hospitio exipere advenas, 1665/1670, engraving, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1979.1.3

Hospitio exipere advenas

Sébastien Bourdon · 1665/1670 · engraving ·  Accession ID  1979.1.3

This is a drawing of a group gathering around a deceased figure. The artwork depicts an outdoor setting with classical architecture and lush vegetation in the background, including pillars and statues. The scene shows emotional expressions and activities surrounding a motionless figure on the ground. Surrounding figures are engaged in gestures of grief and consolation. The drawing has depth and texture enhanced by light and shadow, creating a poignant composition.
Sébastien Bourdon, Sepelire mortuos, 1665/1670, engraving, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1979.1.7

Sepelire mortuos

Sébastien Bourdon · 1665/1670 · engraving ·  Accession ID  1979.1.7

This is a drawing of an ancient ceremonial or historical scene. The image depicts a grand historical setting featuring detailed architectural structures such as arches and a castle in the background. Numerous figures are engaged in various activities; some are clad in robes, while others appear to be armored soldiers. A statue of a horse is present amidst the gathering. The figures are distributed across the composition, interacting in a way that suggests negotiation or instruction. The background is dominated by towering architecture and trees, with voluminous clouds billowing above, creating a sense of depth and drama. The intricate lines and shading contribute to a rich, textural quality.
Sébastien Bourdon, Liberare Captivos, 1665/1670, engraving, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1979.1.6

Liberare Captivos

Sébastien Bourdon · 1665/1670 · engraving ·  Accession ID  1979.1.6

This is a drawing of a group of figures in an ancient setting. The artwork depicts multiple individuals occupying various roles, set against an elaborate architectural landscape. The composition includes figures dressed in robes, with some reclining and others standing, against a structured environment consisting of stone structures and lush trees. The drawing is intricately detailed, capturing depth with shading and fine lines. The overall atmosphere suggests a narrative moment.
Sébastien Bourdon, Esurientes pascere, 1665/1670, engraving, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1979.1.1

Esurientes pascere

Sébastien Bourdon · 1665/1670 · engraving ·  Accession ID  1979.1.1

This is a drawing of a horse and a person in motion. The drawing shows the horse with a flowing mane and a slightly restless posture, along with a tilted head and bent legs indicating movement or agitation. Beside the horse is a figure in a dynamic pose, possibly interacting with or controlling the horse based on their arm and leg positions. The medium is ink on paper, creating a fluid and sketch-like quality, with lines conveying movement and immediacy. The scene captures a moment of action in a minimalistic yet expressive style.
Luigi Sabatelli I, Cavalryman Mounting a Horse, pen and brown ink on laid paper, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1985.22.1

Cavalryman Mounting a Horse

Luigi Sabatelli I · · pen and brown ink on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1985.22.1

The view in the drawing is elevated looking towards a hillside town nestled amidst trees and rocky terrain. The horizon is high with the townscape, including a church tower sitting on it. The brushstrokes are created using sharp lines and shading, exhibiting a sketch-like quality capturing the trees and town structures with detailed linear strokes. The color palette is monochromatic, consisting primarily of sepia and black tones. Closest are rocky outcrops and sparse trees forming a natural frame, while beyond, the hillside is densely filled with trees and residential structures cascading down the slope towards the valley.
Edward Lear, View of Ceriana, 1870, pen and brown ink over graphite, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1983.53.1

View of Ceriana

Edward Lear · 1870 · pen and brown ink over graphite ·  Accession ID  1983.53.1

The image features a detailed drawing with a central figure holding a large head, possibly decapitated, with eyes closed and overgrown hair and beard. The central figure's upper body is visible, with its head turned to the right, featuring softly rendered facial features and adorned with curly hair topped by an elaborate headpiece or helmet decorated with feathers. The figure wears a draped garment with folds and patterns. On the right side, there is another bearded male head in profile. The backdrop is a blend of shades and strokes, creating a sense of depth without discernible details, giving an ancient or mythological atmosphere. The drawing is monochrome, emphasizing texture through shading and highlighting facial features and attire details.
Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione, David with the Head of Goliath, c. 1655, monotype printed in brown on laid paper, Andrew W. Mellon Fund, 1977.30.1

David with the Head of Goliath

Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione · c. 1655 · monotype printed in brown on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1977.30.1