Ingres Charles Hayard and his daughter Marguerite Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres (1780-1867)

The drawing presents a man and a young girl in a formal pose, rendered with meticulous detail through graphite shading. The composition is straightforward: the figures are positioned centrally against a largely empty background, which emphasizes their presence and relationship. The man stands tall, his body angled slightly towards the viewer, conveying an impression of dignified composure. He wears a double-breasted coat with a high collar, indicative of a certain social standing and adherence to contemporary fashion. His gaze is directed forward, seemingly beyond the immediate scene, suggesting a contemplative or perhaps reserved personality.
The young girl is nestled against him, her body pressed close to his side. She appears to be in mid-movement, her head turned slightly away from the man’s face, creating a dynamic element within the otherwise static arrangement. Her attire – a delicate dress with lace detailing and a small bonnet – underscores her youth and innocence. The careful rendering of the fabrics folds suggests an attention to detail characteristic of formal portraiture.
The artist has employed a technique that emphasizes line and shading, creating a sense of depth and volume. The use of hatching and cross-hatching is particularly evident in defining the contours of the figures’ clothing and facial features. A chair is partially visible on the left side of the composition, its form rendered with similar precision.
Subtly, the drawing conveys themes of familial connection and social propriety. The mans protective posture towards the girl suggests a paternal role, while their formal attire indicates an awareness of societal expectations regarding appearance and behavior. The lack of overt emotional expression in either figure contributes to a sense of restrained sentimentality, typical of Neoclassical portraiture. The inscription at the bottom right corner provides additional context, though its content remains unexamined here. Overall, the drawing offers a glimpse into a specific moment in time, capturing not only physical likeness but also hinting at the social and cultural values of the era.