French school. [Late 18th - early 19th century]. - Lot 56

Lot 56
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Estimation :
200 - 300 EUR
French school. [Late 18th - early 19th century]. - Lot 56
French school. [Late 18th - early 19th century]. Two designs for monumental tombs with allegorical sculpted groups. Pen and wash highlights. Damaged edges, taped tears on verso, freckles and stains. Incomplete title at top right: "Dessins de deux Tombeaux qui pourroie". Drawn for a competition or exhibition. The first draft is in line and takes up almost the entire sheet. Mention on the pedestal: "Man, while he lives his flesh will be in pain, and his soul will itself deplore his state. J. ch.XIV v.22". Handwritten note underneath: "This tomb represents the Soul separated from its matter after having tamed the passions, rises to the bosom of Eternity. The two figures at the sides of the sepulchre, one representing the active life and the other the contemplative life, or the theory and practice of morality. The epitaph taken from the Book of Job could be set for a catafalque, for the novena of the dead, but if it were for someone in particular the epitaph would mention the name and qualities of the deceased and the figure of the soul would bear his image." The second draft is in color wash, at the top right of the sheet, under the title. The handwritten note underneath is incomplete (right-hand section missing) and difficult to understand. The author indicates that this catafalque imitates the first one and makes technical suggestions. Dim. 67 x 50.5 cm.
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