Hubert Robert
1733-1808
Draftsman Sketching at Villa Madama
ca. 1760
18 1/2 x 13 1/2 inches (470 x 343 mm)
Red chalk.
2017.221
Thaw Collection.
Notes
Watermark: none visible through lining.
Drawing from the model and making drawn copies from other works of art were fundamental to academic pedagogy. Robert's drawing shows a fully formed pensionnaire diligently copying Domenichino's fresco of the Flagellation of St. Andrew (1608-9) in the oratory of the church of S. Gregorio al Celio in Rome. The young man has created a makeshift studio from two chairs and a prie-dieu, which enable him to balance the large portfolio on his knees. This draftsman likely represents one of the pensionnaires sent to study at the French Academy in Rome, a course of continuing instruction that could last for as long as four years. -- Exhibition Label, from "Drawn to Greatness: Master Drawings from the Thaw Collection"
Drawing from the model and making drawn copies from other works of art were fundamental to academic pedagogy. Robert's drawing shows a fully formed pensionnaire diligently copying Domenichino's fresco of the Flagellation of St. Andrew (1608-9) in the oratory of the church of S. Gregorio al Celio in Rome. The young man has created a makeshift studio from two chairs and a prie-dieu, which enable him to balance the large portfolio on his knees. This draftsman likely represents one of the pensionnaires sent to study at the French Academy in Rome, a course of continuing instruction that could last for as long as four years. -- Exhibition Label, from "Drawn to Greatness: Master Drawings from the Thaw Collection"
Inscriptions/Markings
Signed and inscribed at lower right in pen and black ink, "villa madama Robert R...". Paper of drawing has been folded in half, leaving a horizontal crease at the center.
Associated names
Thaw, Eugene Victor, former owner.
Thaw, Clare, former owner.
Thaw, Clare, former owner.
Bibliography
The Morgan Library & Museum, New York, NY, "Drawn to Greatness: Master Drawings from the Thaw Collection", 2017. Exh. cat., no. 336, repr.
Denison, Cara D. et al. The Thaw Collection : Master Drawings and New Acquisitions. New York : Pierpont Morgan Library, 1994, no. 28.
Denison, Cara D. et al. The Thaw Collection : Master Drawings and New Acquisitions. New York : Pierpont Morgan Library, 1994, no. 28.
Artist
Classification
Century Drawings
School
Catalog link
Department