Two Studies of the Statue of Alexander and Bucephalus [verso]
probably c. 1754/1765
![Two Studies of the Statue of Alexander and Bucephalus [verso] by Hubert Robert](https://images.artheonmuseum.org/nga/thumb/two-studies-of-the-statue-of-alexander-and-nga-63004.webp)
Medium
graphite and black chalk on laid paper
Dimensions
Overall: 7.4 x 10.7 cm (2 15/16 x 4 3/16 in.) support: 15.6 x 21.5 cm (6 1/8 x 8 7/16 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Julius S. Held Collection, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Accession Number
1984.3.30.b
Art Historical Context
In the intimate world of 18th-century sketchbooks, Hubert Robert's *Two Studies of the Statue of Alexander and Bucephalusverso]* (probably c. 1754/1765) captures the artist's fascination with classical antiquity. Created with graphite and black chalk on paper, this delicate drawing—measuring just 7.4 x 10.7 cm—features quick, expressive studies of the ancient statue depicting Alexander the Great with his legendary warhorse Bucephalus Robert, a French painter often called "Robert des Ruines" for his evocative landscapes of crumbling Roman architecture, likely made this during his formative year...
About the Artist
Hubert Robert · 1733–1808
Hubert Robert, born on May 22, 1733, in Paris, emerged from a modest background; his father, Nicolas Robert, served the influential Choiseul family, whose patronage shaped the young artist's path. After completing his studies at the Jesuit Collège de Navarre in 1751, he entered the atelier of sculptor Michel-Ange Slodtz, who taught him design and perspective before encouraging a shift to painting....