Three Herms

c. 1630s

Giovanni Mauro della Rovere

Associated Names
Giovanni Mauro della Rovere

Artist, Milanese, 1575 - 1640

This is a drawing of three classical-style statues. The drawing depicts three sculptural figures, each appearing to be partially draped in flowing garments. The figure on the left is looking upward with a dynamic pose, holding a piece of drapery in one hand and gesturing with the other. The central figure is gazing upward as well, with arms positioned to touch the head gently. The figure on the right features a more static pose, looking downward with a solemn expression, holding drapery in a manner that emphasizes the body’s musculature. The monochromatic color scheme employs shades of grey and white to accentuate shadows and highlights, lending the figures a three-dimensional, sculptural appearance on the flat grayish paper. The use of chiaroscuro enhances the illusion of depth and volume.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and black ink with gray wash and white heightening over black chalk on gray laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Julius S. Held Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall: 28.9 x 29.5 cm (11 3/8 x 11 5/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1985.1.50


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Julius S. Held [1905-2002], by 1970; gift 1985 to NGA.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1970

  • Selections from the Drawing Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Julius S. Held, University Art Gallery, Binghamton; traveling exhibition, 1970, no. 101, as German School, 18th Century.

1979

  • Master Drawings from the Collection of Ingrid and Julius S. Held, The Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, Williamstown; traveling exhibition, 1979, no. 8.

Bibliography

2024

  • Bober, Jonathan. "Seventeenth-century Milanese drawings in the National Gallery of Art, Washington, and some associated collections."Arte Lombarda 200-201, no. 1-2 (2024): 82, fig. 13.

Inscriptions

lower left verso in pen and brown ink: H.B.; upper right verso in graphite:della Rovere / (Gere)

Wikidata ID

Q64572437

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