Attributed To Jean-robert Ango (1759 – 1773) - Man On Horseback Kidnapping A Woman

Attributed to Jean-Robert Ango (1759 – 1773)
Man on Horseback Abducting a Woman

Red chalk and white chalk, 26.1 x 25.9 cm

Provenance:
Libert-Castor Sale, November 19, 1993 (lot no. 23, illustrated)
Audap-Picard-Solanet Sale, November 20, 1996, lot no. 13 (8,500 FRF)
Private collection, France

Jean-Robert Ango, active during the second half of the 18th century, is known for his powerful and expressive drawings, marking a period when French art was dominated by Rococo and Neoclassicism. Although his career was brief, his works demonstrate a remarkable mastery of drawing techniques, particularly red chalk and white chalk.

"Man on Horseback Abducting a Woman" is a dramatic and dynamic composition, showing a man on horseback seizing a woman in a gesture of violence and despair. This work uses red chalk to create fluid and expressive lines, while white chalk is applied to accentuate the light areas, creating a striking contrast that highlights the forms and emotions of the characters. The horse, depicted with impressive muscular strength, and the expression of anguish on the woman's face immediately captivate the viewer.

Ango was influenced by the great masters of his time, notably François Boucher and Jean-Honoré Fragonard, but his style is distinguished by an emotional intensity and precision in the treatment of anatomical forms. This particular drawing demonstrates his ability to capture moments of dramatic tension, a talent that secured his place among the remarkable artists of his era, despite the brevity of his career.