Magnificent Catafalque in Honor of John III, King of Poland

Alessandro Galli Bibiena

Associated Names
Alessandro Galli Bibiena

Artist, Bolognese, 1687 - before 1769

This is a drawing of an elaborate architectural or sculptural monument. The drawing depicts a highly ornate structure with classical and Baroque elements, featuring multiple decorative columns, statues, and intricate reliefs. The monument is adorned with various sculptural details including urns, medallions, and human figures, topped with tall spires and flames. The composition highlights the grandeur and opulence of the design, with precise lines and shading emphasizing the depth and perspective. The careful attention to detail suggests the artist's focus on both architectural accuracy and artistic embellishment.

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Artwork overview

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Stephen Spector, New York; Peter Josten (sale, New York, Christie's, 30 January 1997, lot 73 as Giuseppe Galli Bibiena, not sold); gift to NGA, 1997.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1997

  • Building a Collection, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1997-1998, no. 24.

Inscriptions

lower center in pen and brown ink: SERENISS. JOANNE / III. POLON. R. QUI / AN. MDCXXXIII. / pectus objecit Gloriae / et. / M. CASIMIRA. LUD- / OVICA. ARQUIENA / in / Formosum. Specimen. / Seculi. nata. estr. / AN. CHR. MDCLX- / XVI. IV. NON. MAR- / TIAS DIE. QUEM / Fausti Insigniunt Me- / moria. S. Casimiri. Reg. / Polon. fr.

Wikidata ID

Q64534024

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