Women at an Altar

1775/80

Jacques-Louis David

Associated Names
Jacques-Louis David

Artist, French, 1748 - 1825

The image displays two full-length figures positioned on either side of a central column or pedestal. Both figures are depicted in profile and dynamic poses. The figure on the left has her body slightly turned towards the viewer, with one arm raised and the other extended outward, and her hair styled up and away from her face. The figure on the right is leaning forward towards the column, with her hair styled upwards. Both figures wear long, flowing garments that suggest drapery and ancient attire. The clothing is minimally detailed, focusing on motion rather than embellishment. One figure holds a rectangular object while the other appears to be reaching out as if to adjust or interact with the column or pedestal, which is adorned with a rounded object. The background is plain, directing focus on the figures and the ornate column between them.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    transfer tracing on oiled laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Patrons' Permanent Fund

  • Dimensions

    overall: 15.3 x 17 cm (6 x 6 11/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1998.105.1.ttt

Associated Artworks

See all 86 artworks
This is a photograph of a textured brown cover with an intricate pattern. The cover has a rich, earthy tone with a subtle and complex swirling pattern across the surface. It appears to be an old book or journal cover, with a darker brown border outlining it. There is a handwritten red and black text near the top. The overall appearance suggests a vintage or antique quality, with signs of wear along the edges.

Roman Album No. 4: Italian Landscapes and Antiquities

Jacques-Louis David

1775

The image shows a person walking to the right, holding an object in their right hand. They are wearing an ancient Roman or Greek-style draped garment with a head covering. The person's face is in profile, looking slightly upward. Garlands with objects like a basket and cloth hang in the air around them. The background is plain, emphasizing the person and the hanging objects.

Ornament with a Bearded Man in Ancient Dress

Jacques-Louis David

1775

This image shows an illustration of a woman standing upright. She is wearing flowing garments that suggest movement, with one knee bent as if in motion. Her hair is styled in tight curls and appears to be pulled back. The woman's facial expression is focused as she gazes upward or forward. She seems to be holding something in her right hand, while her left arm is hidden. The background is plain.

Niobe and Her Daughter

Jacques-Louis David

1775

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Estate of the artist (sale, Paris, 17 April 1826, under no. 66; withdrawn); Mme. David (sale, Paris, 11 March 1835, under no. 16); purchased by one of David's pupils, Mlle. X (name obliterated);[1] by descent in her family; (Bruno de Bayser, Paris); purchased 1998 by NGA.
[1] According to inscription on flyleaf.

Associated Names

Wikidata ID

Q64580217

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