The Fall of the Rebel Angels [recto]

c. 1524/1527

Parmigianino

Associated Names
Parmigianino

Artist, Parmese, 1503 - 1540

The image shows sinuous figures among clouds. The drawing features interwoven, muscular figures with an angelic or divine quality, set against a backdrop of flowing clouds. The artwork uses a monochrome palette to highlight the fluidity of the clouds and the contorted poses of the figures, creating a sense of movement and weightlessness. In the upper half of the composition, another figure appears with a radiant presence and light emanating from behind it, suggesting dominance or divinity. The artwork's delicate linework forms curls and swirls, conveying motion and energy throughout the composition.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and brown ink with brown wash on thin laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Pepita Milmore Memorial Fund

  • Dimensions

    overall: 19.4 x 13.8 cm (7 5/8 x 5 7/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1989.70.1.a

Associated Artworks

This is a drawing of two overlapping figures with dynamic outlines. The image features swirling lines and forms sketched in red chalk. A central figure with noticeable musculature appears to be interacting with a partially reclined form. The space is filled with loose, gestural lines suggesting fluid motion and chaotic energy. There is no clear background, giving the drawing a sense of study or exploration of form and movement. The emphasis is on the energy conveyed through dynamic poses and expressive line work.

Jael and Cisera? [verso]

Parmigianino

1524

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Robert and Bettina Suida Manning; (Yvonne Tan Bunzl, London); NGA purchase in 1974.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1967

  • 15th & 16th Century European Drawings, American Federation of Arts, 1967-1968, no., 46 (as Annibale di Francesco Bertoia)(circulating exhibition).

Bibliography

1939

  • Gillhofer, H. and H. Ranschburg. Katalog XIX, n.d. (before 1939)(as Agostino Carracci).

1971

  • Popham, A. E. Catalogue of the Drawings of Parmigianino. 3 vols. New Haven and London, 1971: no. 786, pl. 204.

1984

  • Tan Bunzl, Yvonne. Yvonne Tan Bunzl, Old Master Drawings. London, 1984: no.6 (dealer's catalogue).

Wikidata ID

Q64618810

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