La matrone d'Ephese

Jean-Louis Delignon and Antoine-Jean Duclos after Jean-Honoré Fragonard

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a classical architectural scene with various figures in dynamic interaction. The scene depicts a richly ornamented interior space reminiscent of ancient Roman or Greek architecture. The drawing shows a reclining figure above an archway, beneath which sit or stand several other figures. In the central foreground, one figure appears to comfort another who lies across a stone-like structure, while a warrior figure clad in a plumed helmet and holding a spear looks on. The background features a lit altar or pedestal with classical sculptures and reliefs adorning the space. The ceiling above the reclining figure is ornately detailed.