Sculpted plinth with a medallion head
Maker
Attributed to
François Gonord (artist)
1756-1819
François Gonord (artist)
1756-1819
Title
Sculpted plinth with a medallion head
Date of Production
(?) 1771
Medium
black and red chalk with stumping on parchment
Dimensions
Height: 24 cm
Width: 18.1 cm
Width: 18.1 cm
Accession Number
D.1952.RW.4147
Mode of Acquisition
Robert Clermont Witt, bequest, 1952
Credit
The Courtauld, London (Samuel Courtauld Trust)
Copyright
Work in the public domain
Location
Not currently on display
Keywords
Label Text
Gonord specialised in portrait miniatures. This curious drawing – the attribution of which is disputed – appears to record a design for a sculptural ensemble, although the sitter’s head is rendered in red chalk, giving an impression of warm, living flesh at odds with the cool grey of the ornate stone plinth. The oval shape of the man’s head is the result of his puffy wig, a style in vogue at the time.
Provenance
J.H. Fitzhenry; Oswald Magniac, London; his sale, Christie's (London), 25 March 1949, lot 124 (with one other); purchased there by Hans M. Calmann, London (1899-1982) on behalf of Sir Robert Witt, London (1872-1952) (according to Witt's index card); Witt Bequest 1952
Exhibition History
Special Display - French Portraits, The Courtauld Gallery, London, 14/06/2013-02/09/2013
Neo-Classical Drawings, The Courtauld Gallery, London, November 1972-December 1972
Neo-Classical Drawings, The Courtauld Gallery, London, November 1972-December 1972
Inscriptions
Watermark: Watermark: n/a.
Inscription: Recto: right lower edge, black chalk, signed by the artist? underlined: “gonord / fecit”; lower right corner, graphite: “gonord”. Verso: unable to check, as is secured at all sides to the mount.
Collector's mark: unable to check, as is secured at all sides to the mount.
Inscription: Recto: right lower edge, black chalk, signed by the artist? underlined: “gonord / fecit”; lower right corner, graphite: “gonord”. Verso: unable to check, as is secured at all sides to the mount.
Collector's mark: unable to check, as is secured at all sides to the mount.
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