A Gentleman Standing with His Arms Crossed
1726 to 1750
Medium
black chalk on 2 joined sheets of laid paper
Dimensions
overall: 37.8 x 23.7 cm (14 7/8 x 9 5/16 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Accession Number
1998.28.4
Art Historical Context
In the tranquil galleries of the National Gallery of, *A Gentleman Standing with His Arms Crossed* by François-André Vincent captures moment of poised introspection. Created between 1726 and 1750, this drawing showcases Vincent's skill as a French artist during the Rococo era's transition toward Neoclassicism. The subject—a dignified gentleman with arms firmly crossed—evokes the era's interest in character studies and portraiture, possibly serving as a preparatory sketch for a larger painting. Executed in black chalk on two joined sheets of laid paper, the work measures 37.8 x 23.7 cm, highli...
About the Artist
François-André Vincent · 1746–1816
French painter and draughtsman. He was one of the principal innovators in French art of the 1770s and 1780s, in the field of both Neo-classical subjects and themes from national history. Comment on works: Portraits; History