A Lock

Sir David Wilkie

Associated Names
Sir David Wilkie

Artist, Scottish, 1785 - 1841

The image features a series of curved and angular lines that form an abstract shape. The shapes create a design reminiscent of a musical instrument, such as a saxophone or a horn, with tubes and valves. The composition is abstract, with various lines and dots providing texture that conveys rhythm and movement. The intertwining lines and curves appear to replicate the complexity and fluidity of an instrument. The use of dense black ink accents and lighter sketch lines highlight specific areas, resembling sound waves or musical notes.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and black-brown ink with gray wash on wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of William B. O'Neal

  • Dimensions

    overall: 6 x 2.8 cm (2 3/8 x 1 1/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1995.52.208

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Mrs. N.C. Butler; (Thos. Agnew & Sons Ltd., London); purchased by William B. O'Neal, Charlottesville, VA, 1968-1994; gift to NGA, 1995.
Mrs. N.C. Butler was a descendant of a friend of the artist's (according to O'Neal records).

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1971

  • Master Drawings from the O'Neal Collection, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond and tour, 1971-1972.

1975

  • Master Drawings from the Collection of William B. O'Neal, Virginia Museum Downtown Gallery, F&M Center, Charlottesville, 1975: no. 29.

Bibliography

1975

  • "Drawings for Theater and Architecture: A Special View of a Noted Virginia Collection of Master Drawings," Arts in Virginia, 15 (Spring 1975), 2.

1993

  • NGA O'Neal 1993, checklist 249 (Ewer), 253 (Lock), 254 (Lock).

Wikidata ID

Q64631817

You may be interested in

Loading Results