Three Cherubs Playing on Dolphin Like Wave

Gilles Demarteau, the Elder after François Boucher

Associated Names
Gilles Demarteau the Elder

Artist, French, 1722 - 1776

François Boucher

Artist After, French, 1703 - 1770

Three cherubs are depicted, interacting playfully. One is lying on its back, another on its stomach, and the third is sitting up slightly with its head resting on its arm. The cherubs have plump, youthful faces with curly hair, characteristic of cherubic figures. Small wings are visible on their backs. They are unclothed. The background consists of wispy clouds, creating a heavenly setting around the figures.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    chalk manner printed in black on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ellwanger/Mescha Collection

  • Dimensions

    plate: 29.1 x 39.3 cm (11 7/16 x 15 1/2 in.)
    sheet: 41.3 x 54.6 cm (16 1/4 x 21 1/2 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2002.156.2

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Leymarie 1896, no. 133

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Ellwanger/Mescha Collection; gift to NGA, 2002.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1896

  • Leymarie, L. de. L'Oeuvre de Gilles Demarteau l'aine graveur du roi, catalogue descriptif. Paris: Georges Rapilly, 1896: no. 133.

Inscriptions

lower left in plate: a Paris chez Demarteau; lower center in plate: Rue de la Pelterie a la Cloche; lower right in plate: Demarteau Iné Sculpsit. / No 133

Wikidata ID

Q76341136

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