Study for an illustration in Tacitus "Tibère, ou Les Six Premiers Livres des Annales", Book VI, Vol. 3, 2nd Study
c. 1768
Medium
Pen and black ink, over graphite and traces of black chalk, on gray laid paper, incised for transfer and perimeter mounted on ivory laid paper
Dimensions
11.9 × 7.2 cm (4 11/16 × 2 7/8 in.)
Classification
pen and ink drawings
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
113642
Art Historical Context
Hubert François Gravelot, a leading French rococo illustrator of the 18th century created this delicate *Study for an illustration in Tacitus "Tibère, ou Les Six Premiers Livres Annales," Book VI, Vol. 3, 2nd Study* around 1768. Gravelot was renowned for his elegant book illustrations, blending rococo finesse with neoclassical precision, often capturing dramatic moments from classical texts. This preparatory drawing supported an edition of Tacitus' *Annals*, the Roman historian's vivid account of Emperor Tiberius' turbulent reign—a work that fascinated Enlightenment scholars for its insights i...
About the Artist
Hubert François Gravelot
Hubert-François Bourguignon, known as Gravelot (1699–1773), was a leading French Rococo engraver, illustrator, and designer whose elegant draftsmanship bridged the artistic worlds of France and England. Born in Paris to a tailor, he adopted his pseudonym from a godfather and grew up alongside his elder brother, the geographer Jean-Baptiste Bourguignon d'Anville. After neglecting studies at the Col...