Artwork Page for Portrait of a Man, said to be the Sculptor Clodion (1738–1814)

Details / Information for Portrait of a Man, said to be the Sculptor Clodion (1738–1814)

Portrait of a Man, said to be the Sculptor Clodion (1738–1814)

late 1700s

Unknown

Culture
France
Medium
Black chalk with stumping and red and blue chalks; frame details in pen and brown ink and blue washes
Measurements
Diameter: 13.7 cm (5 3/8 in.); height: 13.9 cm (5 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of Muriel Butkin 2018.51
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

This portrait is presumed to represent the French sculptor Clodion (1738-1814). He is depicted as a nobleman, wearing a suit with a ruffled collar and a wig tied with a ribbon. The medallion format and use of color in this drawing recall painted portrait miniatures, an art form that reached the height of its popularity in the 18th century.
A vertically oriented black and red chalk drawing on beige paper depicts a circular profile portrait of a man with a light skin tone facing left. He wears a powdered wig, blue coat, and white cravat. The portrait is set within a mottled square frame. Below, a rectangular plaque inscribed "Gabriel de Saint-Aubin." is flanked by floral rosettes. Fine, sketched lines and delicate shading define his features in this refined, classical composition.

Portrait of a Man, said to be the Sculptor Clodion (1738–1814)

late 1700s

Unknown

France

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