Provenance

Professor Julius S. Held

Held, Julius Samuel

American, 1905 - 2002

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The image displays a perspective view looking upwards along a stone staircase that twists slightly to the right. The horizon is not visible as the view is directed up the stairs, which leads to a platform or landing where a fence or railing is outlined. The drawing features sketchy, expressive pencil lines that suggest the texture of the stone and surrounding foliage, including the bare branches of trees rising around the stairs. The color palette is limited to shades of gray, typical of pencil sketches, with areas of shading adding depth and texture to the scene. In the distance, beyond the landing, the outline of more trees can be seen faintly against the light background.
Adolph Menzel, Flight of Stone Steps in a Garden, graphite, Julius S. Held Collection, 1984.1.16

Flight of Stone Steps in a Garden

Adolph Menzel · · graphite ·  Accession ID  1984.1.16

This is a drawing of an architectural structure. The drawing features a central roundel surrounded by ornate details including mythological figures. Toward the top, there is a rectangular panel depicting a dynamic scene of figures in motion. The overall design includes columns and decorative elements. The use of line work and shading is detailed.
Francesco Salviati, Design for an Altar, pen and brown ink with brown wash and white heightening over black chalk, Julius S. Held Collection, 1985.1.52

Design for an Altar

Francesco Salviati · · pen and brown ink with brown wash and white heightening over black chalk ·  Accession ID  1985.1.52

The image shows three figures in full body length sketches. The figure on the left is dressed in a broad-brimmed hat and knee-breeches, raising an arm high. The central figure, a child with a cap, holds up a scroll. On the right, a figure wearing a wide hat and long coat stands with a shovel over one shoulder and a bundle of tools. The sketch is done in ink and wash on aged paper. The background is plain.
Sebastian Vrancx, Three Revelers and a Gardner, pen and brown ink with brown wash over black chalkon laid paper, Julius S. Held Collection, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1984.3.71

Three Revelers and a Gardner

Sebastian Vrancx · · pen and brown ink with brown wash over black chalkon laid paper ·  Accession ID  1984.3.71

The image depicts two figures, one standing and one bending forward as if assisting the other. The larger figure has long hair and indistinct facial features, wearing flowing clothing. The background is abstract with flowing lines and shades of gray. The figures are within a decorative frame with a light green tint.
Jacopo Zanguidi, called Bertoia, Nude with Putto, pen and brown ink with brown wash and white heightening over black chalk, laid down, Julius S. Held Collection, 1985.1.16

Nude with Putto

Jacopo Zanguidi, called Bertoia · · pen and brown ink with brown wash and white heightening over black chalk, laid down ·  Accession ID  1985.1.16

The image shows two figures standing closely together. The man has wavy shoulder-length hair and is dressed in a knee-length tunic. The woman has long, flowing hair and is wearing a full-length gown with a floral pattern around the waist. They are standing against a backdrop of dense foliage and trees. In the distance, there is a body of water with sailing ships, under a dramatic sky filled with swirling clouds and lightning.
Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki, Lovers in a Thunderstorm, pen and black and brown ink with gray wash and white heightening over black chalk on buff laid paper, Julius S. Held Collection, 1984.1.1

Lovers in a Thunderstorm

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki · · pen and black and brown ink with gray wash and white heightening over black chalk on buff laid paper ·  Accession ID  1984.1.1

The image is a drawing of a person from the waist up. The person is seated with their arms resting in front of them, one hand over the other. The figure has defined facial features with hollow cheeks and deep-set eyes. Their hair appears combed back with a receding hairline. The clothing depicted is a jacket or coat with a bow tie around the neck. There are no visible jewelry or objects held by the person. The background is plain, consisting of blank paper, emphasizing the sketched person without distraction.
Egon Schiele, Dr. Ernst Wagner, 1918, black crayon on wove paper, Julius S. Held Collection, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1984.3.59

Dr. Ernst Wagner

Egon Schiele · 1918 · black crayon on wove paper ·  Accession ID  1984.3.59

The image shows a human figure standing in a relaxed pose with one foot slightly forward. The figure's head is turned slightly to the side, displaying classical facial features with distinct outlines and hair styled to resemble radiating sun rays. The person is wearing flowing robes, a draped mantle, an elaborate breastplate, and is holding a lion's skin over one arm. The background features an architectural setting with a semi-circular niche flanked by two columns, intricately detailed with carvings. The image is monochromatic with fine lines and shading for depth.
Maarten de Vos, Fortitude, pen and brown ink with brown wash over black chalk, Julius S. Held Collection, 1985.1.63

Fortitude

Maarten de Vos · · pen and brown ink with brown wash over black chalk ·  Accession ID  1985.1.63

The image shows a central figure standing upright, holding a large cross. Several other figures surround the central figure, some kneeling and others bent forward. Above them, a figure is depicted in the clouds with wings, facing downwards. The scene is set in a warm, earthy, abstract background with floating figures and indistinct surroundings.
Jan Boeckhorst, The Risen Christ Surrounded by Saints, c. 1660, colored wash with heightening, Julius S. Held Collection, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1984.3.3

The Risen Christ Surrounded by Saints

Jan Boeckhorst · c. 1660 · colored wash with heightening ·  Accession ID  1984.3.3

The image depicts a landscape with an elevated point of view. It shows details both close to the viewer and in the distance. The horizon is vaguely suggested by distant mountains and clouds. On the right, mountain peaks and a waterfall are visible. In the foreground, there is a classical structure with columns partially hidden by tall trees. The brushstrokes are bold and textured, indicating depth. The color scheme is primarily brown, giving an antique look. The background sky is sparse with wispy clouds.
Felice Giani, Mountainous Landscape with Classical Temple, pen and brown ink with brown wash, Julius S. Held Collection, 1985.1.33

Mountainous Landscape with Classical Temple

Felice Giani · · pen and brown ink with brown wash ·  Accession ID  1985.1.33

The image shows a rural landscape with a slightly elevated viewpoint. The horizon is positioned in the upper third of the composition, separating the sky and the land. The drawing features sketchy brushstrokes, creating a soft and unfinished appearance. The color scheme consists of pencil gray tones, establishing a gentle atmosphere. In the foreground, there are rustic structures, surrounded by trees with detailed foliage. A figure near a body of water is holding a fishing pole. The landscape extends into the distance, with faint hints of buildings on the horizon. Wispy clouds decorate the sky, contributing to the serene ambiance.
Jan van Goyen, Rustic House with a Well, black chalk, Julius S. Held Collection, 1985.1.35

Rustic House with a Well

Jan van Goyen · · black chalk ·  Accession ID  1985.1.35