The Dream of Mordecai

Giovanni Guerra

Associated Names
Giovanni Guerra

Artist, Roman, 1544 - 1618

This is a drawing of celestial beings and creatures in a mythological scene. The drawing shows a grandiose spectacle with figures in various stages of action and contemplation. In the top section, winged figures are assembled around two dragon-like creatures, set against a backdrop of light from a sun. Below, a bearded figure draped in a garment is reclining on a raised platform, looking towards the scene above. The drawing uses sepia ink washes, giving it an ancient and elegant appearance.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and brown ink with brown wash on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    Overall (approximate): 22.6 x 17.2 cm (8 7/8 x 6 3/4 in.)
    support: 30 x 24.2 cm (11 13/16 x 9 1/2 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1981.22.1

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Private collection (sale, Sotheby's, London, 27 June 1974, no. 1); purchased by Herbert N. Bier, London; NGA purchase in 1981.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1988

  • Italian Renaissance Drawings, National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, 1988, no cat.

Inscriptions

in later hand, lower right in ink: 98; across top verso: J.A.Y.21 / Martin van Veen called / Martin Heemskirck; across center verso:by ... / ... Muziano / ... Nebbia/by Casar da Neb bia / Girolamo Muziano / B1525 D.1592 / Casar da Nebbia./

Wikidata ID

Q64572435

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