Who painted Two Girls under a Cloak?

Two Girls under a Cloak was painted by David, Sir Wilkie in 1813.

Where can I see Two Girls under a Cloak?

Two Girls under a Cloak is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Two Girls under a Cloak?

Two Girls under a Cloak is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Two Girls under a Cloak

David, Sir Wilkie , 1813

Two Girls under a Cloak is a chalk drawing by the Romanticist artist David, Sir Wilkie. It dates from 1813 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

"Two Girls under a Cloak" is a drawing executed in black chalk with a subtle pink wash on wove paper, signed by Sir David Wilkie in 1813. The composition presents two young figures sheltered beneath a generous, draped cloak, rendered with a spontaneous, sketch‑like quality that emphasizes immediacy over finish.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts a pair of children huddled together, their heads partially concealed by the fabric. The softened, almost indistinct facial features suggest an intimate, perhaps protective moment, inviting viewers to contemplate themes of vulnerability and companionship within a modest domestic scene.

Technique & Style

Wilkie employs light, wavering chalk lines to outline the forms, allowing the paper’s surface to remain largely exposed. A faint pink wash adds a warm undertone to the otherwise pale background, while the minimal use of pigment creates a sense of fleeting observation characteristic of early 19th‑century sketch practice.

History & Provenance

Created in 1813, the drawing belongs to the period when Wilkie was exploring genre subjects with a Romantic sensibility. Its provenance traces back to the artist’s own studio inventory, later entering public collections through 19th‑century acquisitions, though specific ownership details remain limited.