Artwork

Gentleman with a Riding Crop

Gentleman with a Riding Crop, by Pierre Alexandre Wille, chalk, 1784
Gentleman with a Riding Crop, by Pierre Alexandre Wille, chalk, 1784

Gentleman with a Riding Crop is a chalk drawing by the Baroque artist Pierre Alexandre Wille. It dates from 1784 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Gentleman with a Riding Crop is a drawing created by Pierre Alexandre Wille in 1784 using red chalk on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a man in 18th-century clothing, characterized by a tricorn hat, long coat, and knee-high boots, holding a riding crop. His serious expression and formal pose convey a sense of dignity.

Technique & Style

The use of red chalk on laid paper achieves a nuanced representation of texture and depth, drawing attention to the subject through its subtle contrast with the plain background.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.