Artwork
Oriental with Beard, Reading a Book
Oriental with Beard, Reading a Book is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Henry Singleton. It dates from 1803 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Oriental with Beard, Reading a Book is a pen-and-tusche lithograph created by Henry Singleton in 1803.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a bearded man seated on the ground, reading a book while holding an object. The loose, expressive lines convey a sense of movement and emotion. The title suggests the image is an allegory, representing an idea or concept beyond the literal scene.
Technique & Style
The artist employed sketchy, gestural lines to capture the subject, prioritizing expressive effect over precise detail. The wavy background lines evoke a sense of water or wind, adding to the dynamic feel.
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Artist & collection
