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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The Chawed Rosin 
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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.
I think Ingres was the greatest artist of all time, his oil portraits and drawings are incomparable. He loved children and created the most beautiful drawings of babies and toddlers. The greatest painting of all time is his “Princesse de Broglie” in the Metropolitan Museum in New York City. It’s subtle and luscious at the same time and it’s not only beautiful but breathes with life. You can almost hear the blue taffeta rustle, see the sequins in the hairnet move, watch her pulse move under her necklace’s pendant and wait for the bracelets to fall all the way down her arm.
Great use of a Camera Lucida.
Great compilation of Ingres pencil drawings. Hope to see more of these drawings. Thanks
Hello , I have in my possession a drawing done by Ingres in I believe Rome signed J A INGRES 1814 and FONTANA written under neath , I believe it is authentic for the family it came here from was of Prussian and German descent ,, any info would be greatly appreciated as to how I may establish it true integrity .. Thank You bdguide@verizon.net