Large compositional study.

Drawing, black pencil, 50 x 46 cm, wove paper 65,5 x 47 cm (visible), pencil signed, dated and located "Place du Congrès" at bottom right (sl. toned paper, some staining).

Under passe-partout, gilt frame (not studied outside frame).

A peculiar scene of a mother on her knees reaching for her child. Another woman is holding the mother's head and turns it towards her child. Navez (Brussels 1787-1869) was a Neoclassical painter and student of Jacques-Louis David. He was director of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels (1835-1862). Navez was known for his portraits, history paintings and works of mythological themes. Jan Frans Portaels and Constantin Meunier were his pupils.
Joined: 1-3. Three large size engravings by Achille Martinet, Jos[eph] Bal and Henri Campotosto pencil signed by the artists and dedicated to Navez, 1 stamped "J. Buddeus" (marg. creased and dampstained, occ. tears) - 4-12. Various scenes and portraits (lithographs and engravings) by Desvachez, Billoin, Franck, Huot, Helbig, Julien, etc. (occ. foxing, dampstaining and tears). One under wooden frame. (13 pcs)