Artwork
Man Reclining on the Ground and the Corner of a Bed [verso]
![Man Reclining on the Ground and the Corner of a Bed [verso], by Jean-Baptiste Deshays, chalk, 1762](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/jean-baptiste-deshays--man-reclining-on-the-ground-and-the-corner-of-a-bed-verso--3e054816ddd681bf-w1024.webp)
Man Reclining on the Ground and the Corner of a Bed [verso] is a chalk drawing by the Romanticist artist Jean-Baptiste Deshays. It dates from 1762 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Man Reclining on the Ground and the Corner of a Bed [verso] is a drawing created by Jean-Baptiste Deshays in 1762, executed in black and white chalks on brown laid paper.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a man reclining on the ground, his head resting on his arm, with a bed frame visible above him. The scene suggests a narrative moment, potentially capturing a character in a state of rest or repose.
Technique & Style
The work employs chiaroscuro, using contrasting light and dark values to create depth and drama. Loose, quick lines and varying shading convey a sense of spontaneity and experimentation, while the textured, brown paper adds to the sketchy, unfinished quality of the drawing.
History & Provenance
Created in 1762 by Jean-Baptiste Deshays, the drawing is a counterproof, indicating that it is a reversed impression of an original work.
Artist & collection
![Seated Satyr Leaning Backward [recto], by Jean-Baptiste Deshays](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/jean-baptiste-deshays--seated-satyr-leaning-backward-recto--46579a155129856e-w320.webp)
![A Reclining Nude with Her Right Arm Raised over a Swift Composition Study [verso], by Jean-Baptiste Deshays](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/jean-baptiste-deshays--a-reclining-nude-with-her-right-arm-raised-over-a-swift-comp--8e1ee92955ff9975-w320.webp)
![A Young Woman Overcome by Love [recto], by Jean-Baptiste Deshays](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/jean-baptiste-deshays--a-young-woman-overcome-by-love-recto--8f8b1d64ee16ec55-w320.webp)



![Two Reclining Figures [verso], by French 17th Century](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/french-17th-century--two-reclining-figures-verso--06163eb1c0b367f2-w320.webp)
![A Kneeling Man Holding a Staff [recto], by Jacopo Tintoretto](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/jacopo-tintoretto--a-kneeling-man-holding-a-staff-recto--2f82606e21baed93-w320.webp)





