Ingres Pencil Drawings
I remember studying the paintings of Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres in art history class, but I didn’t learn until much later that he was a master of pencil drawing, and particularly of pencil portraits. I first saw reproductions of Ingres’ pencil drawings in the fascinating book The Painted Witch, by Edwin Mullins. In it, Mullins (the creator of the BBC series 100 Great Paintings) discusses the portrayal of women in European art through the centuries, and includes a wonderful discussion of several artists who have shown particular empathy and insight into women, including Ingres.
Here are some of Ingres’ delightful and perceptive family portraits in pencil.
Click and zoom on the pictures for a closer look.
Images are from The Republic of Pemberley, an encyclopedic site dedicated to Jane Austen and her era.
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Yes, a couple of people have sent me that link. I’m well aware of the brilliance of Finnish school children.
Thanks for the post, you learn something new everyday eh?
- Lee (Blogger, Drawn In Black)
I just found a piece of art. On the back it says “Portrait of Chs. Gounod, Artist Ingres, FG# 1239. How can I find out more about this art, if it’s original, it’s vale, etc.
Hi Deb,
My guess would be that the piece you have is a reproduction, since the note on the back is in English, but I really don’t know, of course.
I would suggest contacting an art appraiser.
hey, i’m new to this, n i’m half way across the globe (abu dhabi, u.a.e) n i just wanted to tell you that yuor blogs really amazing. isn’t it amazing what someone can do with only paper and pencil?
Hi Yumna,
It is indeed amazing. His drawings seem to almost have a life of their own.