Constantine
c. 1867
Medium
graphite and red and white chalks with white gouache on wove paper
Dimensions
overall: 17.7 x 25.8 cm (6 15/16 x 10 3/16 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Gift of William B. O'Neal
Accession Number
1995.52.6.a
Art Historical Context
Hercules Brabazon Brabazon (1821–1916), a British artist celebrated for his loose, atmospheric style inspired by J.M.W. Turner, *Constantine* around 1867. This drawing captures Brabazon's mastery of light and form during the Victorian era, when artists increasingly experimented with mixed media on paper to evoke emotion and depth. Titled *Constantine*—likely alluding to the Roman emperor a resonant historical figure—it exemplifies Brabazon's fascination with classical themes and tonal harmony, bridging Romantic traditions with emerging impressionistic tendencies. Executed in graphite, red and...
About the Artist
Hercules Brabazon Brabazon · 1821–1906
British, Paris 1821–1906 Oaklands, near Sedlescombe, Sussex