Saint Joseph and the Christ Child with Angels and Putti

1590/1600

Cesare Pollini

Associated Names
Cesare Pollini

Artist, Italian, c. 1560 - c. 1600

This is a drawing of a multitude of figures engaged in a dynamic and chaotic scene. The composition features human-like figures in animated poses swirling around the canvas. Many figures seem to be gesturing, reaching, or interacting with each other, creating a sense of movement and tension. The style of the drawing is reminiscent of the Mannerist period, characterized by exaggerated forms and intricate compositions. The figures are drawn with an emphasis on elongated bodies and exaggerated poses, contributing to the sense of drama. The use of ink and washes adds depth and texture to the forms, making the composition appear lively and energetic.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and brown ink with gray and brown wash, heightened with white gouache on blue laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Wolfgang Ratjen Collection, Patrons' Permanent Fund

  • Dimensions

    overall: 27.8 x 26.2 cm (10 15/16 x 10 5/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2007.111.145

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Carlo Prayer, Milan [1826 - 1900] (Lugt 2044). Juan and Felix Bernasconi, 1977 (not in Lugt); by descent; (sale, Christie's London, 7 July 1987, no. 70); (Stephen Somerville Ltd., London); Wolfgang Ratjen, Munich; purchased 2007 by NGA.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1988

  • Exhibition of Watercolours, Drawings & Paintings. Stephen Somerville Ltd. at Bernheimers. London, 1988, no. 2.

1995

  • Fünfzig italienische Zeichnungen des 16. - 18. Jahrhunderts aus der Stiftung Ratjen, Vaduz. Liechtensteinischen Staatlichen Kunstsammlung, Vaduz. Bern, 1995, no. 16.

1996

  • Italian Drawings from the Ratjen Foundation, Vaduz. The Frick Collection, New York. Bern, 1996, no. 16.

2011

  • Italian Master Drawings from the Wolfgang Ratjen Collection, 1525-1835, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2011, no. 12.

Bibliography

2005

  • Di Giampaolo, Mario. "Cesare Franchi detto il Pollino," in Amma Maria Ambrosini Massari and Marina Cellini, Nel segno di Barocci: Allievi e seguaci tra Marche, Umbria, Siena. Milan, 2005: 317.

Inscriptions

On mount at top center in white chalk: N.69, and at lower center, BASTIANINO; on verso at center in blue ballpoint (vertically), by a descendant of Juan and Felix Bernasconi: Maria [illeg.] de Bernasconi/1977; across bottom in graphite: Sebastiano Filippi detto il Bastianino 1532-1602

Wikidata ID

Q64538168

You may be interested in

Loading Results