Statue of a Vestal Virgin

Hubert Robert

1760

graphite

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism 18th Century

About this work

This sketch shows a robed figure standing with one hand raised, as if pointing or gesturing. The person’s face is blurred, and their long hair is hidden under a loose head covering. The drapery clings to their body in loose, flowing lines, with quick strokes that suggest movement. The drawing looks like a study—simple lines and shading, no fine details. The artist focused on the shape of the robe and the pose, not the background. Check out the museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington to see more sketches like this.