Thomas Hovenden, Study for “In Hoc Signo Vinces”

Date
1880
Medium
Charcoal on paper
Credit Line
Woodmere Art Museum: Gift of Mr. Stiles Tuttle Colwill, 2018
Dimensions
16 ½ in. x 11 in.

This sketch by Thomas Hovenden is a study for a figure in his painting In Hoc Signo Vinces, which debuted in the Paris Salon of 1880. The title refers to the insignia of Constantine the Great and means “in this sign you will conquer.” The painting, which is in the collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts, depicts a volunteer soldier from the Wars of the Vendée during the French Revolution. 

The figure in this study appears in the background of the painting. She is packing a loaf of bread to send with the volunteer. In the finished painting, Hovenden shows her facing outward instead of at this angle. In both this drawing and the final painting, Hovenden’s attention to depth is apparent in the shading on the woman’s clearly downcast face. 

Stories Trigger
Blank field used to trigger form on artwork and artist pages. DO NOT EDIT

Share:

Stories

We invite you to share your ideas, knowledge, and stories as they relate to the art in our collection. Read what people had to say about this art or use the form below and write to us yourself.

Name:
Invalid Input
Email:
Invalid Input on Email
Phone:
Invalid Input on Phone
Message:
Invalid Input
Invalid Input