The art of drawing: portraits from the collection 1670-1780

Interesting little exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery showcasing 17th and 18th century drawings from their collection.

The description of the show explained that is the age when drawing began to be collected in its own right and there was a growing trend for artists to sell finished preparatory sketches. It covered formal and informal works. There was a lovely picture of Henry Purcell by John Closterman where is head is almost appearing out of cloud.

I really liked a relaxed picture of John Cartright leaning on a book by Henry Fuseli, a real sense of a friend drawing a friend.

There were also fascinating commentaries on the work particularly where there was evidence from letters or diaries of the sittings for the drawing.  A nicely put together, thoughtful display.

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