Woman Consulting a Book

c. 1747

Giovanni Francesco Costa

Associated Names
Giovanni Francesco Costa

Artist, Venetian, 1711 - 1773

The image consists of intricate lines and circular shapes, forming an abstract composition. At the center is a wheel or clock-like structure divided into segments with symbols resembling astrological signs. Above the circular motif is a collection of colorful, flowing forms suggesting a reclining figure in elaborate, ruffled garments. The combination of abstract elements with a figurative representation merges familiar objects, encouraging viewers to explore the interplay of shapes and colors.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching, hand-colored with watercolor and gouache, on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    New Century Fund

  • Dimensions

    plate: 20.3 × 29.3 cm (8 × 11 9/16 in.)
    sheet: 23.2 × 32.2 cm (9 1/8 × 12 11/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2014.176.3

  • Series Title

    Anamorphoses, plate 4

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Cesare Morini, Milan (d. 2013); his widow, Karin Wachtel, Milan; (Stanza del Borgo, Milan); purchased 2014 by NGA

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2005

  • Una Venezia di carta: La città dei Dogi all'epoca di Canaletto e Tiepolo, Capolavori di una collezione di incisioni veneziane del Settecento, cat. by Antonia Nessi, Cabinet Cantonal des Estampes, Musée Jenisch, Vevey; Institut d'histoire de l'art et de muséologie, Université de Neuchâtel; Museo Cantonale d'Arte, Lugano, 2005-2006, no. 27.

Inscriptions

lower left in plate: 4; lower center in plate: Costa

Wikidata ID

Q77008021

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