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Branch of ivy (recto); Study of an urn for "Damocles" (verso)

ca. 1866
Not on view
This still-life of a branch of ivy demonstrates Couture’s characteristic draftsmanship with its emphasis on contour. Couture was an influential teacher whose drawing manner was adopted by many of his students, including Edouard Manet. The motif of the urn on the verso of this sheet connects it with the painting "Damocles" of 1866, thereby giving an approximate date to the drawing.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Branch of ivy (recto); Study of an urn for "Damocles" (verso)
  • Artist: Thomas Couture (French, Senlis 1815–1879 Villiers-le-Bel)
  • Date: ca. 1866
  • Medium: Black fabricated chalk and white chalk on blue paper
  • Dimensions: Sheet: 12 5/8 × 19 1/4 in. (32.1 × 48.9 cm)
  • Classification: Drawings
  • Credit Line: Gift of Jill Newhouse Gallery and Didier Aaron Inc., 2026
  • Object Number: 2026.435a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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