Augustin Pajou - Draped Figure Red Chalk

Attributed to Augustin PAJOU (Paris 1730–1809)
Draped figure in the classical style holding a staff, in profile
Red chalk on a black chalk sketch
28.5 x 19.5 cm (viewing dimensions) - 44 x 35.5 cm framed
Annotated “Vincent” in pen in the lower right
Excellent condition. A bit dirty.
Framed

Provenance:
- Former Deglatigny collection, his seal (Lugt 1768a) in the lower right. Subsequently sold at his auction on November 22–23, 1937, lot no. 268: “Vincent (François-André). Heads of women after Raphael. Draped figures. Three red chalk drawings. Two signed.”
- Piasa auction, April 9, 1999, lot no. 90, attributed to François-André Vincent
- Former Artesepia gallery

While the historical attribution to Vincent does not seem improbable, particularly due to the old annotation, the drawing is more reminiscent of a sculptor’s work in terms of its subject matter and the emphasized intensity of the drapery rendering. More specifically, that of Pajou, particularly in the schematic rendering of the face with its puffed cheeks and architectural nose. All the more so since this “Neoclassical” sculptor regularly worked in red chalk.

Free and insured shipping within mainland France. The drawing is on display and available for pickup at my stall at the Saint-Ouen flea market.

Please don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions