Minerva Seated on a Cloud

Artist/Maker

Material / Technique

Dimensionsh x w: Mått 30,7 x 26,3 cm

Inventory numberNMH 75/1881

Other titlesTitle (sv): Minerva sittande på ett moln Title (en): Minerva Seated on a Cloud

DescriptionDescription: Black and red chalk, point of brush in brown, grey and brown wash, 307 x 263 mm. Laid down. Signature in the lower left corner, in black chalk, JdWit invt. Triple framing lines in black ink. The chalk hatching in the clouds is lightly reinforced with grey wash. The drapery of the upper body has been clumsily retouched with point of brush in brown. In the same way, darker accents have been added on both sides of the lower foot, under the left arm and in a larger area towards the right border, where it significantly stops short of the framing lines (hence a late addition). This figure of Minerva is identical with one in a ceiling painting now in a private collection in Amsterdam, showing Apollo, Minerva and the Muses. The artist made a number of finished drawings like this, often signed; they are clearly not studies for the painting, but independent drawings made for collectors. Compared with other drawings of this kind, the execution here lacks spontaneity, and the signature is small and not as distinct as could be expected. There are awkward details too, like the hand holding the spear. All this points to a copy. The drawing has also been retouched in a rather heavy-handed way in an attempt to improve its appearance. [Magnusson, Dutch Drawings no. 523]

Collection

Geographical origin

MaterialRed crayon (Crayon), Paper, Black chalk (Crayon)

TechniqueDrawing, Wash drawing

Object category