Pan Reclining before a Herm

c. 1640-1645

Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione

Associated Names
Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione

Artist, Italian, 1609 - 1664

This is a drawing of a pastoral scene with classical sculptures and figures. The drawing features an arrangement of classical elements, including a statue on a pedestal in a wooded setting, flanked by large urns and surrounded by draped figures in leisurely poses. Dense foliage frames the composition, providing a sense of depth and a natural backdrop. The chiaroscuro effect highlights the intricate details of the figures and objects such as the ornate designs on the urns and the textured bark of the trees. The style is reminiscent of classical pastoral themes, focusing on relaxation and the eternal beauty of ancient forms.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund and Purchased as the Gift of Robert B. Loper

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 24.4 × 20.1 cm (9 5/8 × 7 15/16 in.)
    plate: 23.1 × 28.8 cm (9 1/8 × 11 5/16 in.)
    framed: 59.69 × 44.45 cm (23 1/2 × 17 1/2 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2012.148.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Bartsch, no. 16, State i/iii

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Mattia Jona, Milan); purchased 2012 by NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1802

  • Bartsch, Adam. Le peintre graveur. 21 vols. Vienna, 1802-1821: Adam. Le peintre graveur. 21 vols. Vienna: J.V. Degen, 1802-1821, no. 16.

Inscriptions

lower right in plate: G. BENED.to CAS. / P.; by later hand, verso upper right, in graphite: No 97 / 272 [circled]; by later hand, verso upper right, in red ink: no. 16-; by later hand, verso center, in graphite: C 239; by later hand, verso lower left, in brown ink: 2 [undeciphered]; by later hand, verso lower left, in graphite: 68 Due Sailir 2/16 / [undeciphered]; by later hand, verso lower right, in graphite: Testa di Pane N. 16-; by later hand, verso lower right, in brown ink: Testa di Pane [undecipherable and faded]

Wikidata ID

Q76561427

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