Studies of a Sculpture of a Male Nude, Vertebrae, and Gesturing Figures

Bartolomeo Passarotti

Associated Names
Bartolomeo Passarotti

Artist, Bolognese, 1529 - 1592

The image shows a collection of fluid lines and shapes arranged in an abstract manner. A central figure resembles a muscular form with exaggerated curves, hinting at a torso and head. Surrounding this figure are additional abstract lines that can be seen as limbs or drapery. The composition includes scribbles and what could be notes or annotations. The image has a textured appearance, with familiar forms emerging from the lines, like a reclining torso or gesturing hands.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and iron gall ink on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    overall: 28.9 x 20 cm (11 3/8 x 7 7/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2000.124.1.b

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Höper 1987, no. 10

Associated Artworks

This is a drawing of a reclining figure with additional sketch elements. The image shows a detailed anatomical study, with a focus on a reclining nude figure on the lower section. Surrounding this main figure are various sketchy elements, including a standing figure on the right and a separate figure in the center with distinct facial features and postures. The composition emphasizes muscle definition and body form, with lines and shading. Text is included in the drawing. The style is fluid and expressive, with loose lines and cross-hatching for shadows and contours.

Studies of a Left Arm, a Young Woman, a Madonna and Child, a Face in Profile, and Nude Figures

Bartolomeo Passarotti

1529

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Dr. L. Pollak, Rome (1868 - 1943) (Lugt no. 7886); Curtis O. Baer [1898-1976] (not in Lugt); Dr. and Mrs. George Baer, Atlanta; NGA purchase in 2000.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1958

  • Drawings from the Collection of Curtis O. Baer, Fogg Art Museum, Cambridge, 1958, no. 3.

1982

  • Bolognese Drawings in North American Collections, 1500-1800, National Gallery of Canada, 1982, no. 11.

1985

  • Master Drawings from Titian to Picasso, NGA, Washington, D.C., 1985, no. 9.

2004

  • Six Centuries of Prints and Drawings: Recent Acquisitions, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 2004 - 2005

Bibliography

1987

  • Höper, Corinna. Bartolomeo Passarotti (1529 - 1592). Worms, 1987.

Inscriptions

by the artist, upper right in ink: amodo / (not deciphered) apud vos(?) / by the artist, lower right in ink: questo / parte / (not deciphered) / posto / adosso / (not deciphered); by the artist, lower center in brown ink: (not deciphered)

Wikidata ID

Q64537155

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