Tenth Day, Ninth Story: Saladin Bestows Rich Gifts on the Sleeping Torello

c. 1757

Hubert François Gravelot

Associated Names
Hubert François Gravelot

Artist, French, 1699 - 1773

This is a drawing of a group of individuals gathered around a central seated figure. The scene takes place in an opulent, classical architectural setting, featuring ornate columns and detailed ceiling decorations. The central figure is reclining on a lavishly decorated couch, adorned with intricately patterned fabrics and surrounded by various vessels and trays. The other figures, clad in elaborate flowing robes and headdresses, are engaged in interactions with the central figure. This image exudes a sense of theatricality and dramatic interaction, suggestive of a narrative moment captured in the drawing. The style suggests a historical or allegorical theme, and the composition is characterized by precise line work and a harmonious blend of sepia tones.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and black ink with brown wash over touches of red chalk on laid paper, laid down

  • Credit Line

    Widener Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (to outer framing line): 11.3 x 5.7 cm (4 7/16 x 2 1/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1942.9.760

Associated Artworks

See all 38 artworks

Title Page for Volume II of Boccaccio's "Decamerone"

Hubert François Gravelot

1757

Album of Preliminary Drawings for Boccaccio's "Decamerone" (1757 edition), volume II

Hubert François Gravelot, Charles-Nicolas Cochin II, Charles Eisen

1757

Sixth Day, Second Story, Cisti the Baker and His Wine

Hubert François Gravelot

1757

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

2009

  • Renaissance to Revolution: French Drawings from the National Gallery of Art, 1500-1800. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2009, 146-148, 284, no. 63b (color).

Bibliography

1877

  • Portalis, Baron Roger de. Les dessinateurs d'illustrations au 18e siècle. 2 parts in 4 vols. Paris, 1877, 1 (pt. 2): 276, 291 (the set).

1880

  • Goncourt, Edmond and Jules de. L'Art du XVIIIe siècle. 2 vols. Paris, 1880-1882, 2: 41, 132 (the set).

1912

  • Cohen, Henri. Guide de l'amateur de livres à gravures de XVIIIe siècle. 6th ed., rev. and augmented by Seymour de Ricci. Paris, 1912: col. 160 (the set).

1921

  • Lugt, Frits. Les marques de collections de dessins & d'estampes; marques estampillées et écrites de collections. Amsterdam, 1921: 175, under no. 996 (sale of 1870) (the set).

1923

  • Ricci, Seymour de. The Roederer Library of French Books, Prints, and Drawings of the 18th Century. Philadelphia, 1923: [4-7] (the set).

  • Ricci, Seymour de. A Checklist of the More Important French Illustrated Books of the Eighteenth Century. Philadelphia, 1923: [3] (the set).

Inscriptions

Signed in pen and black ink over traces of red chalk at lower right: H.Gravelot inv; lower center: X.Journée, Nouvelle 9.

Wikidata ID

Q64574591

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