Figures Looking at Outdoor Spectacle
1781/1823
Medium
Brush and gray wash with black crayon, on ivory laid paper (pieced together), laid down on card
Dimensions
9.7 × 15.2 cm (3 7/8 × 6 in.)
Classification
ink or chalk wash
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
81209
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Art Institute of Chicago's Prints Drawings collection, *Figures Looking at Outdoor Spectacle* by Paul Gregoire (1/1823) offers a glimpse into everyday wonder from the late 18th early 19th century This intimate drawing, measuring just 9.7 × 15.2 cm, depicts a group of figures captivated by an unseen outdoor event—perhaps a public festival, fireworks display, or procession—evoking the lively street scenes popular in European draftsmanship of the era. Crafted with brush and gray wash over black crayon on ivory laid paper, the work showcases Gregoire's skillful use of monochromatic...