Design for an Architectural Framework

16th century

French 16th Century

Associated Names
French 16th Century

Artist

This is a drawing of an ornate architectural design with intricate details. The drawing depicts an elaborate architectural frame that includes mythical figures and decorative elements. The upper part features two reclining cherubic figures on either side, surrounded by swirling, acanthus-like ornamentation, topped with a central decorative urn or crest. The columns on either side are personified as caryatids. At the base, intricate scrollwork and panel details are depicted. The line work in the drawing is precise, with careful attention to the ornamental and structural details.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and brown ink with brown wash over black chalk

  • Credit Line

    Julius S. Held Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall: 39.5 x 26.2 cm (15 9/16 x 10 5/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1985.1.3

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Julius S. Held [1905-2002], by 1970; gift 1985 to NGA.

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. 71.

1994

  • Fanciful Flourishes: Ornament in European Graphic Art and Related Objects, 1300-1800, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1994.

Inscriptions

lower left verso in graphite: Ecole d Fountainebleau; lower right verso in graphite: V Dest 96 no 195

Wikidata ID

Q64570763

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