Gambaspeler 1740s - 1750s

Jacques André Portail created this drawing of a 'Gambaspeler,' or viola da gamba player, in the 18th century using red and black chalk. The drawing captures a seated musician in profile, clutching his instrument. Notice Portail's use of line and form. The red chalk sketches the contours of the sitter's robe, contrasting with the more subdued black chalk that defines the instrument and facial features. The composition, while seemingly simple, carefully balances the figure against the skeletal chair. The wig becomes a focal point, a cloud-like mass that mirrors the curvaceous body of the viola da gamba, suggesting a visual harmony between man and instrument. The incomplete nature of the drawing invites us to consider the interplay between presence and absence. The absence of the musician's face and the sketchy background elements prompt us to fill in the blanks, participating in the artwork's creation. This drawing functions as a sign, referring not just to a musician but to broader themes of artistry, performance, and the relationship between the artist, the sitter, and the viewer.