The Apotheosis of San Vitale

1781

Ubaldo Gandolfi

Associated Names
Ubaldo Gandolfi

Artist, Bolognese, 1728 - 1781

This is a drawing of a celestial scene with figures amidst clouds. The composition depicts a central figure holding a staff or sceptre, elevated above others on a cloud, surrounded by smaller figures that appear to be angels or cherubs. These figures are on both sides and below the central figure, all in dynamic poses. Rays of light are suggested coming from above, illuminating the scene, and the background is filled with additional clouds and some hints of sky or heavenly elements. The use of ink creates strong, flowing lines that define the forms and suggest movement. The overall composition is circular, concentrating focus towards the central figure.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and brown ink with brown wash over black chalk on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    overall (approximate): 24.7 x 24.1 cm (9 3/4 x 9 1/2 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1984.49.1

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Galerie Stanza del Borgo, Milan); acquired 1984 by NGA.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1993

  • Bella Pittura: The Art of the Gandolfi, National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa; The Arkansas Arts Center, Little Rock, 1993, no. 26.

Bibliography

1990

  • Bagni, P. "Ubaldo Gandolfi." In Disegni emiliani del Sei-Settecento: I grandi cicli di affreschi. Bentini, Jadranka, and Angelo Mazza, eds. Milan, 1990: no. 39.5.

Inscriptions

by later hand, lower left in black ink: Gandolfi

Wikidata ID

Q64633377

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