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Tenth Day, Ninth Story: Saladin Bestows Rich Gifts on the Sleeping Torello

Hubert François Gravelot

1757

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism 18th Century Allegory

Dominant colour

Tenth Day, Ninth Story: Saladin Bestows Rich Gifts on the Sleeping Torello is a 1757 ink by Hubert François Gravelot, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Hubert François Gravelot
When & what style?: 1757 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This drawing shows a group of men gathered around a man lying on a bed. One man holds a long stick like a scepter, pointing at the sleeper while others lean in, some touching his arm or the bed. The room looks fancy, with ornate carvings on the ceiling and pillars framing a doorway. On the floor, there’s a small table with a few scattered objects. The sleeper’s relaxed pose contrasts with the others’ focused attention, as if he’s unaware of the gifts or words being offered. The artist used quick, sketchy lines to show movement and emotion. Next, check out cross-hatching to see how artists build shading with lines.