Saint Gregoire I Delivering Souls from Purgatory

1744

Francesco Fontebasso after Sebastiano Ricci

Associated Names
Francesco Fontebasso

Artist, Venetian, 1709 - 1769

Sebastiano Ricci

Artist After, Venetian, 1659 - 1734

This is a drawing of a celestial scene with numerous figures and flowing clouds. The image shows figures, some with wings, floating among swirling clouds. At the bottom, figures seem to struggle or reach upwards, while above, others ascend effortlessly, aided by winged beings. Intricate detailing of drapery and clouds creates a vibrant sense of movement. There is a prominent figure on the right holding either a staff or a sword. The scene captures a blend of ascension and struggle through the dramatic poses and expressions. The drawing is detailed with textures and intricate linework enhancing the sense of motion and drama.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    sheet (trimmed within plate mark): 55.5 x 38.3 cm (21 7/8 x 15 1/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1992.22.4

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    De Vesme 1906, no. 3, State proof before the first state

Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1906

  • Vesme, Alexandre de (Baudi di Vesme, Alessandro). Le peintre-graveur italien; ouvrage faisant suite au peintre-graveur de Bartsch. Milan: Ulrico Hoepli, 1906.

1991

  • Paul Proute, CATALOGUE "COYPEL" 1991, 142.

Inscriptions

by later hand, lower left in ink: Sebastiano Rici

Wikidata ID

Q75118206

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