The Triumph of Amphitrite

1745/1750

Giovanni Battista Crosato

Associated Names
Giovanni Battista Crosato

Artist, Venetian, 1686 - 1758

This is a drawing of a mythological scene. The central figure is seated on a large scallop shell, surrounded by flowing drapery and cherubs. On each side, there are figures of mermen blowing conch shells and other sea creatures emerging from the ocean waves. The composition is dynamic, with elaborate detailing in the rendering of the sea and figures, giving it a sense of movement. The sepia-toned drawing is executed with delicate line work and wash shading, evoking a classical underwater mythology scene.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and brown ink with brown and gray wash over graphite on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    overall: 27.7 × 45.3 cm (10 7/8 × 17 13/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1993.29.1

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

The 'Reliable Venetian Hand,' Venice (Lugt 3005c-d); Colnaghi, London, 1993; purchased by NGA, 1993.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1993

  • Stephen Ongpin, "Master Drawings." Exh. cat. Colnaghi, London, June 30-July 9, 1993, no.44.

2014

  • The Poetry of Light - La poesia della luce: Venetian Drawings from the National Gallery of Art, Museo Correr, Venice, Venice, 2014 - 2015, no. 75.

Bibliography

1993

  • Master Drawings. Exh. cat. Colnaghi, London, 1993: no. 44.

2012

  • Ton, Denis. Giambattista Crosato: Pittore del Rococo Europeo. Verona: Fondazione Giorgio Cini (2010): 137, no. 98

Inscriptions

by later hand (by the 'Reliable Venetian Hand'), lower right in brown ink: Giambatista Crosato Vene

Watermarks

double line capitals "IHS above IVILLEDARY" (fine Dutch paper made throughout the eighteenth century, frequently for export)

Wikidata ID

Q64572321

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