Calligraphic Flowers

Jean-Joseph Bernard

Associated Names
Jean-Joseph Bernard

Artist, French, 1740 - 1809

The artwork features a design of swirling lines and loops that create an abstract representation. These forms resemble blossoms with spiraling petals and elongated stems. Curved lines extend outward, mimicking the flow of leaves and tendrils. The composition is ornate and fluid, capturing flowers through an abstract calligraphic style.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and brown and iron gall ink with watercolor on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Joseph F. McCrindle Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 29.9 x 19.4 cm (11 3/4 x 7 5/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2009.70.36

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Joseph F. McCrindle [1923-2008], New York; Joseph F. McCrindle Foundation, 2008; gift to NGA, 2009.

Associated Names

Bibliography

2012

  • Grasselli, Margaret M., and Arthur K. Wheelock, Jr., eds. The McCrindle Gift: A Distinguished Collection of Drawings and Watercolors. Exh. cat. National Gallery of Art. Washington, 2012: 173 (color).

Inscriptions

by artist, lower right in pen and brown ink: Bernard; by later hand, lower right verso in graphite: K (underlined). (mat) by unknown hand, center verso in graphite: x1958 R / 45- / Original example of calligraphy by the famous French writing master, Bernard / p. 4 / # 39 B

Wikidata ID

Q64581256

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