A Decorative Sculpture with a Woman Seen from Behind

1754/1765

Hubert Robert

Associated Names
Hubert Robert

Artist, French, 1733 - 1808

This is a drawing of a decorative architectural element and a sketch of a figure. The drawing features a highly ornate design on the left side with two mythical bird-like creatures facing each other with wings raised, possibly supporting a central medallion or roundel flanked by scrollwork. To the right, there is a simple outline of a human figure in motion, appearing to balance or carry something across their shoulders. The composition is composed of light pencil lines, indicating it may be a preliminary study or conceptual design. The drawing may serve as a preparatory piece, capturing an idea with quick and loose strokes.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    graphite on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Julius S. Held Collection, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    Overall: 6.7 x 12.7 cm (2 5/8 x 5 in.)
    support: 15.6 x 21.5 cm (6 1/8 x 8 7/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1984.3.25

  • Series Title

    Album of Drawings: p.2

Associated Artworks

See all 32 artworks
The sculpture features a standing female figure draped in a long garment that covers most of her body, leaving her head and feet visible. The figure's head is slightly tilted, and her short hair is styled close to her head. She holds a portion of her clothing with one hand, creating an appearance of gentle motion in the fabric. The sculpture seems stylized, with simplified and smooth contours of the human form indicated. The drawing is monochrome, suggesting that the sculpture is likely a light-colored or marble material. The relative size and posture of the sculpture imply it stands at a similar height to humans but is depicted without intricate details, focusing instead on capturing the overall form and grace of the subject.

Statue of a Female in a Toga

Hubert Robert

1754

Album of Drawings

Hubert Robert

1754

This is a drawing of a classical statue. The image depicts a full-length figure in classical drapery. The figure wears a flowing robe that drapes over one shoulder and is gathered around the body. In the left hand, the figure holds an object resembling a cornucopia. The head is adorned with a laurel or helmet. The right arm is raised, but the specific gesture or object held is less defined. The drawing features soft shading and precise outlines.

Statue of Abundance [recto]

Hubert Robert

1754

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

David David-Weill [1871-1952], by 1928.[1] Julius S. Held [1905-2002]; acquired 1984 by the NGA.
[1]Henriot, Gabriel, Collection David-Weill, 3 vols. Paris,1926-1928:3:391.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2009

  • Renaissance to Revolution: French Drawings from the National Gallery of Art, 1500-1800. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2009, 186-188, 286-287, no. 82a (color).

Bibliography

1926

  • Henriot, Gabriel, Collection David-Weill. 3 vols. Paris,1926-1928, 3 (pt. 2): 391-392.

Watermarks

present but not identified

Wikidata ID

Q64574705

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