Samson and the Lion (recto); Virgin Mary with Right Arm Extended (verso)

Art Historical Context

Domenico Fiasella, a prominent Genoese artist of the late 16th (c. 1539–1609), crafted this double-sided drawing as a masterful study in black chalk. On the recto, Samson wrestles and tears apart a lion, capturing the biblical hero's raw strength from the Book of Judges in dynamic, muscular forms. The verso features the Virgin Mary with her right arm extended in a gesture of blessing or presentation, evoking devotional tenderness amid her serene poise. Such dual-sided sheets were common in artists' workshops for exploring compositions before painting. Rendered on blue laid paper—a favored 16th-century support that enhances tonal drama—Fiasella employs black chalk alone on the recto for bold shadows and contours, while the verso gains luminosity from subtle white chalk highlights. This technique, rooted in Mannerist traditions transitioning to Baroque naturalism, showcases his skill in figure modeling and emotional expression, hallmarks of Genoa's vibrant artistic scene influenced by Correggio and Luca Cambiaso. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Prints and Drawings collection, undated work (39.4 × 25.6 cm) offers a window into Renaissance draftsmanship, blending heroic vigor with sacred grace to inspire both painterly preparation and spiritual contemplation.

About the Artist

Domenico Fiasella · 1589–1669

Son of a silversmith. He is known for history and religious scenes characterized by clarity, attention to detail, rich color and classical figures, in addition to influence of the robust figure style, painterly surfaces and brilliant reds and golds of Rubens and Anthony van Dyck. Comment on works: Religious