Artwork Page for Study of Hands (recto)

Details / Information for Study of Hands (recto)

Study of Hands (recto)

1700s

Pierre Lenfant

(French, 1704–1787)
View all records in artwork set
Culture
France, 18th century
Medium
red and black chalk heightened with white chalk
Support
Beige(1) laid paper
Measurements
Sheet: 20.1 x 20.4 cm (7 15/16 x 8 1/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Victor Spark, New York 1946.447.a
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

This drawing is executed in a technique called trois crayons, referring to the three colors of chalk used by the artist. It was especially popular among artists in 18th-century France.

Description

After Pierre Lenfant served as the official battlefield artist to King Louis XV in the War of the Austrian Succession (1740–48), he and his family were awarded a lifetime residence at the royal Gobelins Manufactory on the outskirts of Paris. This delicate study in colored chalks may depict a weaver pulling threads in the textile factory.
A square-oriented drawing in red, black, and white chalk on tan paper features two hand and arm studies. Centered, a hand with light skin tone is raised with curled fingers, and dark, angular folds define a sleeve. To the lower left, another arm with light skin tone extends diagonally downward, its hand grasping thin lines. White chalk highlights the skin and fabric against the speckled paper.

Study of Hands (recto)

1700s

Pierre Lenfant

(French, 1704–1787)
France, 18th century

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork