Pietro Testa

Lucchesino, il
Italian, 1612 - 1650

Explore selected works

See all 26 works of art
This is a drawing of a scene with figures in a classical setting. The drawing depicts a gathering of figures in an interior space that resembles an ancient Roman or Greek setting. One figure on the left appears to be holding a wreath or a leafy object above its head, while others are gathered around a central figure. The setting includes architectural details like columns, a circular wall embellishment, and ornate vases in the foreground. Shadows are used to enhance the depth and texture of the image. The drawing captures a moment of interaction between the figures.
Pietro Testa, The Symposium, 1648, etching, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 2012.126.2

The Symposium

Pietro Testa · 1648 · etching ·  Accession ID  2012.126.2
This is a drawing of a complex allegorical scene. The image is crowded with numerous figures and symbolic elements. At the top left, there is a celestial figure amongst clouds within a semi-circular frame. Below, figures are engaged in various activities, surrounded by elements such as an angel, animals, and circular medallions and structures. The figures display a range of expressions and poses. The scene is balanced by architectural elements and depictions of nature including trees and flowing water.
Pietro Testa, An Allegory in Honor of Innocent X, 1644, etching on laid paper, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1991.83.1

An Allegory in Honor of Innocent X

Pietro Testa · 1644 · etching on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1991.83.1
This is a drawing of an allegorical scene set in a forested landscape with classical architecture in the background. It includes various figures engaged in different activities, integrated into a natural setting. The central focus is on a chariot pulled by horses, with figures surrounding it. A female figure above appears to be floating or emerging from a tree, surrounded by light. The forest is detailed with trees and foliage, while distant hills and a classical building frame the background. The foreground features figures and animals such as a lion in dynamic poses and interactions, capturing a moment of action.
Pietro Testa, The Triumph of Painting on Parnassus, 1644/1648, etching on laid paper, Bert Freidus Fund, 2015.43.1

The Triumph of Painting on Parnassus

Pietro Testa · 1644/1648 · etching on laid paper ·  Accession ID  2015.43.1
This drawing shows figures in a mythical scene. The central interaction involves robed figures and an angelic being, with others observing or being carried aloft in draped cloths. The background includes clouds, hills, and trees framing the composition. The stillness and grace of the figures, along with detailed rendering and shading, suggest a classical or biblical theme. Tonal variations and cross-hatching create movement and tension, capturing a moment of narrative drama in a serene natural setting.
Pietro Testa, The Prophecy of Basilides, c. 1648/1649, pen and brown ink with black and brown washes over black chalk with traces of red chalk, on two joined sheets of greenish-blue laid paper, squared in red chalk, laid down on old mount, William B. O'Neal Fund and Gift of Funds from Ann and Matthew Nimetz, and from Andrea Woodner, 2022.160.1

The Prophecy of Basilides

Pietro Testa · c. 1648/1649 · pen and brown ink with black and brown washes over black chalk with traces of red chalk, on two joined sheets of greenish-blue laid paper, squared in red chalk, laid down on old mount ·  Accession ID  2022.160.1
This is a drawing of a scene involving a chariot and ruins. A central figure, likely a warrior, is depicted standing on a chariot being driven by horses. The chariot is shown dragging a naked figure on the ground. An angelic figure with wings is present near the warrior. In the background, there is a structure resembling an ancient Roman amphitheater, with various figures in different activities. The drawing is detailed, filled with action and symbolism, in a style reminiscent of classical or neoclassical art.
Pietro Testa, Achilles Dragging the Body of Hector, c. 1648/1650, etching, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1972.66.44

Achilles Dragging the Body of Hector

Pietro Testa · c. 1648/1650 · etching ·  Accession ID  1972.66.44
This is a drawing of a scene depicting a central figure surrounded by cherubs. The central figure is standing on a cloud and the cherubs have wings and rounded faces. They are in various poses, creating a dynamic composition. The scene has minimalistic atmospheric details, emphasizing the figures and their arrangement.
Pietro Testa, The Vision of Saint Angelus, c. 1645, pen and brown ink over black chalk on laid paper, laid down on old mount, Gift of Ann Sutherland Harris in honor of Elizabeth Cropper, 2018.178.7

The Vision of Saint Angelus

Pietro Testa · c. 1645 · pen and brown ink over black chalk on laid paper, laid down on old mount ·  Accession ID  2018.178.7
This is a drawing of an ascension scene. The drawing depicts a central figure, surrounded by others, seemingly ascending into the sky. The composition includes a crowd below, amidst a landscape with trees and clouds. The central figure is highlighted by lines suggesting rays of light. Around this figure are other characters engaged in various poses, observing, gesturing, or resting. The background features detailed natural elements like trees with intricate foliage and clouds. The style is reminiscent of classical religious or historical drawings, displaying careful line work to convey form and expression.
Pietro Testa, The Resurrection, early 1640s, pen and brown ink over black chalk, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1982.37.1

The Resurrection

Pietro Testa · early 1640s · pen and brown ink over black chalk ·  Accession ID  1982.37.1
This is a drawing of numerous figures gathered in a detailed landscape. The image depicts human forms spread throughout a natural setting of trees and rolling clouds. Several figures are in motion, with one figure prominently holding a torch aloft. The detailed shading and line work suggest a classical or Renaissance influence, with intricate attention to anatomy and drapery. The background contains trees and rocky landscapes, creating depth and a sense of breadth to the scene.
Pietro Testa, Parnassus, c. 1644/1646, etching, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1972.66.48

Parnassus

Pietro Testa · c. 1644/1646 · etching ·  Accession ID  1972.66.48
This is a drawing of a mythological scene with classical figures and cherubs. The artwork features a dense and complex composition with numerous cherubs scattered throughout the scene. At the center, several classical figures are depicted in flowing garments, surrounded by a landscape of large trees and a stone structure. There is a winged creature resembling a griffin, hovering atop a cloud. The scene exudes an ethereal atmosphere, intricate with detailed linework, capturing a sense of movement and drama typical of a baroque style.
Pietro Testa, Allegory in Honor of the Arrival of Cardinal Franciotti as Bishop of Lucca, 1637, etching with burnished tone on laid paper, Ruth and Jacob Kainen Memorial Acquisition Fund, 2022.68.3

Allegory in Honor of the Arrival of Cardinal Franciotti as Bishop of Lucca

Pietro Testa · 1637 · etching with burnished tone on laid paper ·  Accession ID  2022.68.3
This is a drawing of cherubs in a radiant sky with figures gathered around a central point. The etching depicts a celestial event featuring cherubs encircling a glowing starburst in the sky. Below them, a crowd of men in robes are gathered, with gestures of awe and reverence. The background includes ornate architecture, partially visible pillars, and a natural landscape with trees and hills. The scene conveys a sense of movement and divine occurrence through the positioning and expression of the figures, as well as the detailed rendering of the starburst effect in the sky.
Pietro Testa, The Adoration of the Magi, c. 1640, etching, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1972.66.45

The Adoration of the Magi

Pietro Testa · c. 1640 · etching ·  Accession ID  1972.66.45