Study of an Angel in Flight

c. 1738

Lorenzo De Ferrari

Associated Names
Lorenzo De Ferrari

Artist, Italian, 1680 - 1744

The image shows a sketch of an angelic figure from the upper torso down to the knees. The figure is depicted in a dynamic, upward-arching pose, with one arm extended forward and one leg flexed. The face is shown in a three-quarter view with delicate features and an upward gaze. The figure has wavy hair that appears short. The clothing consists of flowing, draped garments accentuating movement. The figure is not holding any objects, nor wearing jewelry. The background is plain with grid lines visible.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    black chalk on blue laid paper, squared for transfer

  • Credit Line

    New Century Fund

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 54.9 × 39.4 cm (21 5/8 × 15 1/2 in.)
    framed: 76.2 × 60.96 cm (30 × 24 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2018.172.2

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Santo Varni [1807 - 1885], Genoa (Lugt 3531), no. 49. (Stanza del Borgo, Milan, by 1998); Silvana Tagliavini, Milan; purchased 2018 by NGA.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2020

  • A Superb Baroque: Art in Genoa, 1600-1750, National Gallery of Art, Washington; Scuderie del Quirinale, Rome, 2020, no. 104 (shown only in Washington, Washington venue canceled).

Bibliography

1998

  • Bareggi, Silvana. Il Bel Segno. Disegni dal XVI al XIX secolo. Stanza del Borgo, Milan, 1998: 38-39, no. 18 (color).

2019

  • Bober, Jonathan. "Genoese Baroque Drawings." National Gallery of Art Bulletin, No. 60(Spring, 2019): 29.

2020

  • Bober, Jonathan. A Superb Baroque: Art in Genoa, 1600-1750,Exh cat. National Gallery of Art, Washington: 304, no. 104.

Inscriptions

Lower center in brown ink: No 49 Collezione Santo Varni

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