
Charity
West, Benjamin · American
- Medium
- pen and brown ink with brown wash on gray paper mounted to brown laid paper
- Classification
- Drawing
- Period
- 1726 to 1750
- Image size
- 2615 × 5414px
Description
The sketch shows multiple figures' upper bodies, centered around a standing person and two cherubic children. The central figure is an adult standing and presented in profile, gazing downward, with a serene expression. This figure has curly hair falling to the shoulders, classical features, a prominent nose, and a gentle smile. The clothing suggests classical drapery covering the torso loosely. Next to the central figure are two cherubic figures, mostly nude, with playful, rounded features and small wings. One cherub leans against the standing figure, while another lies across the lap of a seated figure. The background consists of simple, curved lines creating an arched frame, matching the page's shape, with no distinct setting depicted.
Rights & Source
Open access image from the National Gallery of Art, released under its open access program. Metadata via the NGA Open Data Program (CC0).