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Tomb with Death Standing

Louis-Jean Desprez

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of an underground chamber. The scene depicts a central figure standing behind or emerging from a large, geometric sarcophagus. The figure is surrounded by smoke or mist. Flanking the central figure, there are two large sculptures of seated lions facing each other on stone pedestals. The chamber is constructed of large stone blocks, and the floor is made of tiled stones. The walls curve to form an arch above the sarcophagus, and there are hieroglyphics etched into the pedestal in front of the sarcophagus. The drawing has a sepia tone.

Artwork Details

Date
1779 / 1784
Medium
etching with black wash on laid paper (proof)
Dimensions
11333 × 7896 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original