Colleur (Billposter)

Jean Duplessis-Bertaux

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a person standing on a ladder engaged in painting or cleaning a wall. A man is positioned atop a ladder leaning against the wall on the left side of the image, reaching out with a brush or tool. Below him to the side, another individual stands observing or ready to assist, while on the ground near the ladder is a collection of tools or containers, possibly paint cans or buckets. On the right, a child, a dog, and an individual in a coat and top hat are depicted. The child appears to be gesturing with raised hands. The wall has posted bills or notices with visible text. Shadow lines from out-of-view bars stretch diagonally across the wall, creating a linear pattern that contrasts with the detailed line work of the figures. The drawing has a style reminiscent of classic etchings.