INGRES Sketch of a figure in a Letter about drawing the human form in window light

In a remarkable letter painter and teacher Jean Ingres illustrates how window light shines on the human figure. "...although the daylight comes from the right side of the painting, the daylight coming from the left side should not be dismissed. If this is the case, all the charm of the brush work will be lost...." To clarify, the artist sketches a figure as seen from the back with one foot resting on a step. Signed, "Ingres. Written in French, on one 8vo sheet, undated.

The letter is significant because it reveals the working artist considering the effect of light on a human subject. He draws two lines of light as they might contact the figure. Ingres would occasionally use pen and ink to sketch first ideas, but in this instance, it would seem that he used the pen to write the letter and illustrated his meaning with the drawing. The text suggests he may have been giving advice to another artist or student rather than sketching a preliminary drawing for his own work.

Condition: Docketing in upper left corner in red in another hand, sunning around margins likely from prior framing, slight chipping on right margin and slight soiling at center fold. The illustrated letter measures 5.25 x 8 inches and floats on a dark gray mat overlaid with a white mat, framed in black satin finished wood, matted and framed in museum quality materials, framed in 5/8/inch black satin wood. Frame measures 12.5 x 15.75.