Saint Ursula
1551 to 1600
Medium
red chalk on beige oatmeal paper
Dimensions
Overall (irregular): 22 x 16.5 cm (8 11/16 x 6 1/2 in.) mount: 25.9 x 19.5 cm (10 3/16 x 7 11/16 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
William B. O'Neal Fund
Accession Number
1998.28.2
Art Historical Context
Behold *Saint Ursula*, a delicate red chalk drawing on beige oatmeal paper by the Genoese Baroque master Bernardo Strozzi (1581–1644). between 1551 and 1600, this intimate study measures just 22 x 16.5 cm, capturing the saint—legendary leader of 11,000 martyrs—in a moment of quiet devotion. Housed in the National Gallery of Art Department of Drawings (CG-E), it was acquired through the William B. ONeal Fund, exemplifying Strozzi's in translating his vibrant oil paintings into fluid sketches. Red chalk, prized during the late Renaissance and Baroque eras for its warm, fleshy tones, allowed Str...
About the Artist
Bernardo Strozzi
Strozzi was one of the most influential painters in Italy during the early 17th century, particularly in Genoa and Venice. His powerful and painterly religious works, genre scenes, and portraits are distinguished by their rich, glowing color and broad, energetic brushstrokes. Comment on works: Still Life; Religious; Portraits