Design for a Cupola with Old and New Testament Figures

Art Historical Context

This exquisite watercolor design for a cupola, created by the Italian brothers Pietro and Domenico deis between 1720 and 1804, offers a glimpse into 18th-century ecclesiastical architecture. Measuring 19¾ inches in diameter, its circular format perfectly mirrors the dome it was intended to adorn, likely in a Roman church or grand interior. The De Angelis brothers, known for their work in Rome, blended architectural precision with artistic flourish during the late Baroque to early Neoclassical transition. The composition teems with symbolic figures from the Old and New Testaments, surrounded by playful putti (cherubic infants), majestic angels, and fluttering birds—evoking a heavenly realm of divine harmony. Watercolor's translucent layers allowed the artists to experiment with light, color, and spatial illusion, essential for translating flat designs onto curved vaulted surfaces. This preparatory drawing exemplifies how such sketches guided frescoes or mosaics, capturing the era's emphasis on grandeur and spiritual elevation. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department through the Elisha Whittelsey Collection, this piece highlights the collaborative genius of Italian design workshops, bridging faith, artistry, and engineering for worshippers below.