The Ecstasy of Saint Francis [recto]

1706/1720

Sebastiano Ricci

Associated Names
Sebastiano Ricci

Artist, Venetian, 1659 - 1734

This is a drawing of angelic figures in a dynamic, celestial scene. The composition presents gracefully sketched angelic beings, with emphasis on flow and movement through the use of curvilinear lines and gestural brushstrokes. Several of these figures appear to be winged, suggesting a scene lifted from the heavens, rich with motion and energy. The drawing is executed with pen and brown ink washes, creating contrasts and a sense of depth. There is a sense of interaction among the figures, depicted in an etheric and dream-like setting.

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Artwork overview

Associated Artworks

This is a drawing of a group of figures in various poses. The artist uses quick, gestural strokes to depict movement and interaction among the figures. The background consists of abstract lines and shapes.

Biblical Scene [verso]

Sebastiano Ricci

1720

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Jacob Theodor and Johanna Cremer, New York; (sale Sotheby Mak van Waay, Amsterdam, 17 November 1980, no. 135); C.G. Boerner Gallery, Dusseldorf, 1981; Paul Proute Gallery, Paris; purchased by NGA, 1991.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1992

  • Dürer to Diebenkorn: Recent Acquisitions of Art of Paper, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1992, no. 27.

2014

  • The Poetry of Light - La poesia della luce: Venetian Drawings from the National Gallery of Art, Museo Correr, Venice, Venice, 2014 - 2015, no. 45.

2018

  • Heavenly Earth: Images of Saint Francis at La Verna, NGA, 2018.

Bibliography

1991

  • Cocke, Richard. "The Drawings of Michele and Giovanni Battista Pace." Master Drawings (1991): 356, 361, 370, 373, 376.

1992

  • Durer to Diebenkorn: Recent Acquisitions of Art on Paper. Exh. cat. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1992: 27, 28, 43.

Watermarks

10-pointed star with circle in the center and ball above, not in Briquet

Wikidata ID

Q64630703

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