Description
This work is now recognized as a clear example of Arent de Gelder’s individual style. A pupil of Rembrandt’s in the last stage of his career, De Gelder’s drawings can be characterized by their straight, loose lines; the placement of darker accents; and a focus on contours of the figures to the exclusion of defining the volume within the forms.
Provenance
Unknown collector [stamps (not in Lugt) recto, lower right and lower left, in black]. 15th Earl of Shrewsbury (1753–1827), Alton Towers, Staffordshire, England [verso inscription]. Possibly sold, Sotheby’s, London, Mar. 13–15, 1858. Charles Deering (1852–1927), Chicago [stamp (Lugt 516) verso, lower right, in blue]; by descent to his daughters, Mrs. Chauncey McCormick (née Marion Deering; 1886–1965), Chicago and Mrs. Richard Ely Danielson (née Barbara Deering; 1885–1957), Chicago; given to the Art Institute of Chicago, 1927.
Accession Number
49224
Medium
Pen and brown ink, with brush and brown wash, with touches of white opaque watercolor, on buff laid paper, laid down on ivory laid paper
Dimensions
Primary/secondary supports: 12.1 × 18.6 cm (4 13/16 × 7 3/8 in.)
Classification
pen and ink drawings
Credit Line
The Charles Deering Collection