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Graphite 19th Century Sketch of Voltaire in Vintage Frame

About the Item

This finely rendered work showing Francois-Marie Arouet also know as Voltaire is from the late 19th century. The drawing in a vintage frame shows the sitter in a somewhat relaxed pose and is probably taken from one of two versions of the famous Houdon seated statue of 1779 which late became a part of Catherine the Greats collection or from the large marble version done in 1781 and commissioned by Houdon's Niece. The artist is unknown as it is not signed but can be assumed to be an academic work done buy artists entering the great art institutions of the 19th century and required to study proven masterworks through drawing and repetitious study. The work shows a mastery of the positive and negative space with a delicate hand at shading and a clear understanding of anatomy and character structure. The drawing is simple and elegantly framed in a black and gold frame with a refined single line french matte.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 20.25 in (51.44 cm)Width: 17 in (43.18 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
  • Style:
    Neoclassical (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper
  • Place of Origin:
    Unknown
  • Period:
    19th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1880
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Hudson, NY
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: 13122781131080

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