Draperiestudie

About this artwork

…; bequeathed by Prof. Dr. Johannes Quirijn van Regteren Altena (1899-1980), Amsterdam, with 63 other drawings, to the museum, 1981

Art Historical Context

**Draperiestudie by Alessandro Tiarini** led among preparatory sketches of the Italian Baroque, *Draperiestudie* (Study of Drapery) by Alessandro Tiarini (1577–1668) captures the artist's meticulous exploration of fabric folds. This intimate drawing on paper, measuring just 270 × 190 mm, exemplifies preparatory studies central to 17th-century workshops. Tiarini, a Bolognese painter influenced by Carracci and Caravaggio, honed his skills in rendering voluminous drapery—a hallmark of Baroque dynamism—to bring lifelike depth to his religious altarpieces and history paintings. Drapery studies like this were essential training tools, allowing artists to master light, shadow, and movement before committing to larger canvases. Tiarini's loose, expressive lines reflect the era's shift toward naturalism, bridging Mannerist elegance with emerging tenebrism. Though modest in scale, it reveals the technical virtuosity that defined Bologna's vibrant art scene during the Counter-Reformation. Acquired through the generous bequest of Prof. Dr. Johannes Quirijn van Regteren Altena (1899–1980) in 1981—alongside 63 other drawings—this piece enriches our understanding of Tiarini's draftsmanship and the collector's discerning eye for Old Master works. A quiet gem for drawing enthusiasts!