Studies of Aurora and Apollo

1794

Pietro Fancelli

Associated Names
Pietro Fancelli

Artist, Bolognese, 1764 - 1850

This is a drawing of various mythical figures in a celestial scene. The composition shows intricate details of figures intertwined among clouds and drapery, in dynamic poses. Some figures have wings or swirling garments, creating a sense of movement and grandeur. They are distributed harmoniously throughout the drawing, interacting with celestial elements like clouds. The artwork features fine lines and shading for depth and texture. The drawing suggests a narrative or divine event, possibly intended as a preparatory sketch for a larger piece, such as a fresco or ceiling painting.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and brown ink, squared for transfer

  • Credit Line

    William B. O'Neal Fund

  • Dimensions

    overall: 71.2 x 49.8 cm (28 1/16 x 19 5/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2005.126.1.b

Associated Artworks

Apollo, Phaeton, and the Seasons

Pietro Fancelli

1793

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Société Historique et Litteraire Polonaise, Paris. (sale, Christie's London, 4 July 1972, no. 27). (sale, Sotheby's London, 13 December 2001, no. 101). (Pandora Old Masters, New York); purchased 2005 by NGA.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2023

  • Looking Up: Studies for Ceilings, 1550-1800, National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, 2023.

Bibliography

2002

  • Cera, Adriano. Disegni, Acquarelli e Tempere di Artisti dal 1770 ca. al 1830 ca.. Bologna, 2002: 2:no. 4.

  • Matteucci Armandi, Anna Maria. I decoratori di formazione Bolognese tra Settecento e Ottocento, da Mauro Tesi ad Antonio Basoli. Milan, 2002: 16.

Inscriptions

along edge in brown ink: disegni e varie invenzioni di... ; lower center in brown ink: Per il marche Lanara esequiso a calae in cura della Camera detto sua Galleria

Watermarks

VSL in a circle with a shamrock

Wikidata ID

Q64619680

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