Design for a Ceiling Decoration
17th century
Medium
Pen and brown ink, with brush and brown wash, on ivory laid paper, laid down on tan wove card
Dimensions
47.5 × 36.8 cm (18 3/4 × 14 1/2 in.)
Classification
pen and ink drawings
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
84950
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Design for a Ceiling Decoration created by an unknown Italian artist in 17th century, the grandeur of Baroque-era opulence. During this period, Italy's palaces and churches were adorned with dramatic ceiling frescoes that created illusions of heavens opening above, blending architecture, painting, and sculpture. Such preparatory drawings served as blueprints for these ambitious projects, guiding artisans in crafting intricate schemes of gods, allegories, and architectural fantasies. Executed in pen and brown ink with brush and brown wash on ivory paper—later laid down on tan w...