Catafalque for Ranuccio II in the Church of the Steccata

1695

Niccolò Alù, after Alessandro Baratta

Associated Names
Niccolò Alù

Artist, French, active 1687 - 1707

Alessandro Baratta

Artist After, Italian, 1637-1714

This is a drawing of a baroque architectural structure with ornate decorative elements. The image features a highly detailed and symmetrical altar-like structure, set upon a series of stepped platforms. The central focus is a tall spiral column adorned with decorative ribbons and topped with a small domed canopy with a cross. Flanking the central column are two smaller triangular forms equipped with lamps or candelabras. Intricate scrolls, carvings, and classical motifs enrich the surface. Raised urns emitting flames are placed at strategic points for balance and emphasis.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Vincent Buonanno

  • Dimensions

    plate: 46.5 × 36 cm (18 5/16 × 14 3/16 in.)
    sheet: 54 × 39.8 cm (21 1/4 × 15 11/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2023.41.7

  • Series Title

    Teatro funebre aperto nel famosissimo oratorio della Santiss.ma Vergine denominata della Steccata di Parma nell'occasione delle solennissime esequie ... del duca Ranuccio 2. d'immortal nome, il giorno 4. di Febraro 1695. Colla descrizione non meno dell'apparato lugubre, che del fastosissimo catafalco pomposamente eretto per tal funzione nel suddetto oratorio

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Vincent Buonanno, Providence, RI; gift to National Gallery of Art, 2023

Associated Names

Inscriptions

recto: in plate, in image, at lower left: Ales. Barat. del.; in plate, in image, at lower right: N. Alu. scul.; below image at left in graphite in later hand: Baratta, Alessio; below image at right in graphite in later hand: Berlin 3235 / Catafalque for Duke Ranuccio II of Parma / (from Teatro Funebre..del Duca Ranuccio II..1695 / Parma; verso: at upper left in brown ink in later hand: 70

Markings

none

Watermarks

fleur de lis with letters