The Letter
1772
chalk
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
Artist
Johann Eleazar Schenau
Johann Eleazar Schenau (1737–1806) was an artist.
See the richer artist page1772
chalk
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Letter is a 1772 chalk by Johann Eleazar Schenau, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This painting depicts a group of four people gathered around a woman sitting in a chair. The woman is dressed in a long, flowing gown and is holding a letter in her hand. She is surrounded by three other individuals, two of whom are standing behind her and one who is standing to her right. The scene is rendered in red chalk on laid paper, giving it a warm and intimate tone. The figures are arranged in a circular composition, with the woman at the center. The background is minimal, with only a hint of a wall or other architectural feature visible behind the figures. The painting is a beautiful example of Baroque art, with its use of chiaroscuro and dramatic lighting. To learn more about this style, explore the Baroque movement.
Johann Eleazar Schenau (1737–1806) was an artist.
See the richer artist page
