late 18th- early 19th century
(French, 1781–1850)
Graphite, pen and black ink, and gray and black washes
Sheet: 39.4 x 27.8 cm (15 1/2 x 10 15/16 in.); Secondary Support: 39.6 x 28 cm (15 9/16 x 11 in.); Tertiary Support: 49.2 x 36.3 cm (19 3/8 x 14 5/16 in.)
Bequest of Muriel Butkin 2018.47
Fragonard’s grisaille drawing portrays a sculpted personification of Wisdom, identified by the inscription “Sagesse” along her forehead. She is seated on a stone throne, decorated with two other female personifications on either side. Characterized as a righteous woman, Wisdom lifts her right arm in an authoritative gesture while clutching her traditional attribute, a crown of stars, in her other hand.
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