Artwork Page for Two Dolls or Puppets Sitting on Cushions

Details / Information for Two Dolls or Puppets Sitting on Cushions

Two Dolls or Puppets Sitting on Cushions

c. 1870–80

Henri Joseph Harpignies

(French, 1819–1916)
Culture
France, 19th century
Medium
Watercolor with graphite underdrawing on heavily textured wove paper
Measurements
Sheet: 38.6 x 28.5 cm (15 3/16 x 11 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of Muriel Butkin 2018.1061
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

Harpignies made this drawing as an example for one of his pupils to study and emulate.

Description

Henri Harpignies was best known for landscapes, and this sheet is a rare example of his still life practice. It belongs to a group of drawings created for his pupil, the Comtesse de Kermaingant, providing her with instruction in watercolor. Two dolls or puppets are propped on a pillow, allowing the comtesse to study the drapery of their costume and shadows of their placement on cushions.
A horizontally oriented watercolor and graphite drawing depicts two figures sitting against a dark green wash background. To our left, a figure with a dark skin tone wears a red and white turban and vest, looking right. Beside them, a figure with a light skin tone and green jacket tilts their head back. They sit atop a yellow cloth and gray cushions, rendered with loose, expressive strokes on textured paper.

Two Dolls or Puppets Sitting on Cushions

c. 1870–80

Henri Joseph Harpignies

(French, 1819–1916)
France, 19th century

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