Provenance

William Cavendish, 2nd Duke of Devonshire

Cavendish, William 2nd Duke of Devonshire

English, 1672 - 1729

Explore selected works

See all 19 works of art
The image shows a group of figures gathered closely around a woman holding a baby. The woman is seated on the left, looking down at the baby in her lap. Beside them, a man leans forward, touching their hands. Other men surround them, observing the scene. The background is simple, emphasizing the figures.
Sir Anthony van Dyck, The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine, c. 1618, pen and brown ink with brown and gray washes over black chalk on laid paper, Woodner Collection, 1993.51.7

The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine

Sir Anthony van Dyck · c. 1618 · pen and brown ink with brown and gray washes over black chalk on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1993.51.7

The image shows a group of individuals playing musical instruments and interacting in a classical setting. Various figures with unique hairstyles and draped garments in soft colors are seen seated and standing. Some are playing instruments like a lute and a violin, while others are gesturing or holding music sheets. The background includes lush foliage, trees, and hints of distant architecture, enhancing the classical ambiance.
Hans Rottenhammer, Minerva and the Muses, c. 1610, watercolor over pen and brown and gray ink and traces of graphite, heightened with white gouache, on laid paper, Wolfgang Ratjen Collection, Patrons' Permanent Fund, 2007.111.30

Minerva and the Muses

Hans Rottenhammer · c. 1610 · watercolor over pen and brown and gray ink and traces of graphite, heightened with white gouache, on laid paper ·  Accession ID  2007.111.30

This is a drawing featuring a chariot and multiple figures engaged in dynamic action. The chariot is pulled by horses, with swirling garments on the figures and flowing mane and muscles on the horses. The figures display expressive gestures, with one figure holding a smaller one. They are positioned around the chariot, seemingly involved in dramatic interaction. The drawing employs ink to emphasize movements and expressions, adding depth and drama to the scene.
Italian 16th Century, Flight of Meriones, with Dead Coeranos Being Dragged from the Chariot, pen and brown ink with brown wash over graphite on laid paper, corners cut, Gift of William B. O'Neal, in Honor of the 50th Anniversary of the National Gallery of Art, 1991.150.57

Flight of Meriones, with Dead Coeranos Being Dragged from the Chariot

Italian 16th Century · · pen and brown ink with brown wash over graphite on laid paper, corners cut ·  Accession ID  1991.150.57

This print shows the face of a person above two disembodied arms. The person visible at the top has a straight nose, high cheekbones, and long, curly hair flowing around their face, adorned with a thin cap. They are looking downward and to the right. Below their face, one arm is bent and extended, the hand clenched around an indistinct object. The other hand is near the bottom-right corner and also seems to be holding something faint. The background is a pale pink color, and the lines of the print are faint gray with some white highlights.
Sandro Botticelli, The "Chief Framer", Head of a Youth Wearing a Cap; a Right Forearm with the Hand Clutching a Stone; and a Left Hand Holding a Drapery, 1480/1485, metalpoint heightened with white gouache on mauve prepared paper, Woodner Collection, Patrons' Permanent Fund, 1991.190.1.a

Head of a Youth Wearing a Cap; a Right Forearm with the Hand Clutching a Stone; and a Left Hand Holding a Drapery

Sandro Botticelli, The "Chief Framer" · 1480/1485 · metalpoint heightened with white gouache on mauve prepared paper ·  Accession ID  1991.190.1.a

This is a faint drawing of a person within an octagonal frame. The sketch portrays a nude male figure with soft facial features and curly hair. The man stands with one arm slightly extended and the other hand resting near his thigh, and his face is turned to the right. The background is gray, with the figure drawn in lines only slightly darker. Around the image, a frame has been drawn in brown lines on a white background.
Filippino Lippi, The "Chief Framer", Standing Nude Youth, c. 1496, metalpoint heightened with white on gray-prepared paper, Woodner Collection, Patrons' Permanent Fund, 1991.190.1.b

Standing Nude Youth

Filippino Lippi, The "Chief Framer" · c. 1496 · metalpoint heightened with white on gray-prepared paper ·  Accession ID  1991.190.1.b

A winged angel wearing a long billowing robe and holding a torch balances or lands on their left foot, on our right, in this vertical drawing. Created with dark brown ink against cream-white paper, the person is sketchily drawn so some of the details are indistinct. The right foot, on our left, is raised behind the angel, who looks down in that direction. A wing stretches out above, making an arc to our left. The edge of a column and base lines the right edge of the paper. The background behind the angel is slate blue. The drawing with the angel has been cut out near its edges and affixed to a sheet the same blue. Some white clouds billow up around the angel's feet.
Filippino Lippi, The "Chief Framer", An Angel Carrying a Torch, c. 1500/1504, pen and brown ink and gray wash on laid paper, Woodner Collection, Patrons' Permanent Fund, 1991.190.1.f

An Angel Carrying a Torch

Filippino Lippi, The "Chief Framer" · c. 1500/1504 · pen and brown ink and gray wash on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1991.190.1.f

The image shows a cherubic figure in a dynamic pose. The figure appears to be in motion, with one arm raised above the head and a slight twist in the torso. The cherub's facial features are abstract and stylized, and the hair is tousled and flowing. The figure is nude and stands within a lightly sketched rectangular border. The background is plain, with a few sketched rectangular forms along the border. The drawing is executed in monochromatic brown ink, with shading and cross-hatching adding depth to the figure.
Filippino Lippi, The "Chief Framer", Dancing Putto Holding a Drapery, c. 1493/1497, pen and brown ink on laid paper, Woodner Collection, Patrons' Permanent Fund, 1991.190.1.e

Dancing Putto Holding a Drapery

Filippino Lippi, The "Chief Framer" · c. 1493/1497 · pen and brown ink on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1991.190.1.e

This is a drawing of a heraldic shield featuring an angelic figure. The drawing shows an angel with wings uplifted, holding a rod or scepter in one hand, while the other hand supports a heraldic shield decorated with designs. The background includes lightly sketched clouds. The composition is enclosed within architectural framing details and border lines, adding structure to the image. Light shading is used to highlight the figure's movement and expression.
Filippino Lippi, The "Chief Framer", Two Angels Carrying Torches, c. 1501, pen and brown ink and brown wash on laid paper, pricked for transfer, Woodner Collection, Patrons' Permanent Fund, 1991.190.1.g

Two Angels Carrying Torches

Filippino Lippi, The "Chief Framer" · c. 1501 · pen and brown ink and brown wash on laid paper, pricked for transfer ·  Accession ID  1991.190.1.g

The image is a sketch of a person from the knees up in a standing position with hands clasped together at chest level. The person has a serene facial expression and delicate features, with hair covered by draped fabric extending over the shoulders. They wear a long flowing garment. The background is a textured, neutral backdrop with sketch lines and shading, suggesting a single color or medium.
Filippino Lippi, The "Chief Framer", Standing Woman with Her Hands Clasped in Prayer, c. 1488, metalpoint heightened with white on gray-prepared paper, Woodner Collection, Patrons' Permanent Fund, 1991.190.1.i

Standing Woman with Her Hands Clasped in Prayer

Filippino Lippi, The "Chief Framer" · c. 1488 · metalpoint heightened with white on gray-prepared paper ·  Accession ID  1991.190.1.i

The image shows a pencil sketch with a viewpoint from a distance at eye level. The horizon is subtly drawn across the composition with small structures, likely houses, placed along it. These buildings are positioned towards the center and right-hand side. The lines are light and somewhat sketchy, capturing an impression rather than detailed features. The color palette is monochromatic, dominated by earthy brown and dark gray tones. A path leads towards the buildings with figures standing in a group and one seated. Trees are scattered among the buildings, drawn with simple strokes. The background is mostly empty, drawing focus to the central scene.
Rembrandt van Rijn, Figures on the Anthoniesdijk Entering Houtewael [verso], c. 1650, reed pen and brown ink on light brown washed laid paper, Woodner Collection, 1993.51.6.b

Figures on the Anthoniesdijk Entering Houtewael [verso]

Rembrandt van Rijn · c. 1650 · reed pen and brown ink on light brown washed laid paper ·  Accession ID  1993.51.6.b

Bibliography

1965

  • Cooper, Douglas, ed. Great Family Collections. New York, 1965:147-168