Design for an Altar

1550s

Giovanni Battista Castello, called Bergamasco

Associated Names
Giovanni Battista Castello

Artist, Italian, 1509 - 1569

This is a drawing of an elaborate architectural doorway or niche. The drawing shows a highly detailed and ornate doorway or niche structure with classical architectural elements. A large arch spans the top, decorated with intricate patterns and a central emblem depicting a face or figure. Below the arch, a triangular pediment is supported by fluted columns, with elaborately carved capitals. The space within the columns seems intended as a niche. Along the sides and inside the arch are detailed moldings, reliefs, and smaller decorative elements, such as cherubs or putti sitting on each side of the pediment. Flourishes and ornamental carvings enhance the overall grandeur of the structure. The drawing style is precise with fine lines, emphasizing the craftsmanship and symmetry typical of neoclassical or baroque architecture.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and brown ink over traces of black chalk with brown wash on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Ann and Matthew Nimetz

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 41.2 × 26.2 cm (16 1/4 × 10 5/16 in.) (irregular)
    mount: 48.2 × 33.3 cm (19 × 13 1/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2020.80.1


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Zaccaria Sagredo [1653-1729], Venice, (L. 2103a). (sale, Christie's, London, 28 January 2020, no. 14); Matthew and Ann Nimetz, New York; gift to NGA, 2020.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

lower center in brown ink: S.F. No. 72' (for 'Scuola Fiorentina')]; lower right in brown ink: dal Salone(?); by later hand, center verso in brown ink: 15 a(?)

Watermarks

double-tailed mermaid


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