Vagabond Family [recto]

1788

Benjamin West

Associated Names
Benjamin West

Artist, American, 1738 - 1820

The image features three figures in an illustrative style. On the left side, two individuals embrace – a woman standing on the left and slightly bending down towards a child. The woman has delicately sketched facial features and hair styled with tight curls or buns. The child's face is partially obscured but seems to be looking up. Both are dressed in flowing robes or dresses. On the right, a man stands slightly angled towards the pair. He has prominent facial features, wears a hat with a brim, short hair, a tunic, an overgarment, and boots. His hands are clasped together in front of his chest. The background shows a loosely rendered sky with pale blue and beige tones, suggesting an outdoor setting. The figures have light outlines, creating a gentle, pastoral atmosphere.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and brown ink with brown and blue wash on wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Julius S. Held Collection, Avalon Fund

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 17.9 x 12.3 cm (7 1/16 x 4 13/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1984.3.75.a

Associated Artworks

This is a drawing of an architectural design. The image shows a pencil and ink sketch of an archway with a measurement notation. The drawing is minimal, occupying a portion of the right side of the sheet, leaving the majority of the page blank.

Cross Section of a Gothic Church [verso]

Benjamin West

1788


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Julius S. Held, gift to NGA, 1984

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1970

  • Selections from the Drawing Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Julius S. Held, University Art Gallery, Binghamton; traveling exhibition, 1970, no. 19, as Three Figures.

Bibliography

1970

  • Selections from the Drawing Collectio of Mr. and Mrs. Julius S. Held. Binghampton, State University of New York, University Art Gallery: 1970, no. 19.

Inscriptions

lower right in pen and brown ink: B. West 1788; center verso in graphite and pen and brown ink: 6 feet 8. 3/2

Markings

lower right verso stamped in black ink: JSH [Julius S. Held]

Wikidata ID

Q64537244

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