Provenance
Sold, Puttick and Simpson, London, February 12, 1915, to William F. E. Gurley (1854-1943), Chicago; bequeathed to the Art Institute of Chicago for the Leonora Hall Gurley Memorial Collection, 1943.
Accession Number
114900
Medium
Black crayon on cream wove card, laid down on wove paper
Dimensions
24.2 × 12.9 cm (9 9/16 × 5 1/8 in.)
Classification
crayon
Credit Line
The Leonora Hall Gurley Memorial Collection
Background & Context
Background Story
Two Struggling Figures (1867) is a black crayon drawing on cream wove card depicting two figures engaged in a struggle or combat. The dynamic composition of intertwined bodies reflects the influence of Michelangelo's famous depictions of struggling figures, particularly his studies for the Battle of Cascina. The black crayon medium allows for energetic, expressive line work.
Cultural Impact
Michelangelo's compositions of struggling figures influenced the representation of dynamic human interaction for centuries.
Why It Matters
This drawing of two struggling figures shows the enduring influence of Michelangelo's dynamic figural compositions.
