Seated Draped Male Figure (recto); Rough Studies of Putti (verso)
1582–1647
Medium
Black chalk, faint traces of white on gray-blue paper (recto); black chalk (verso)
Dimensions
16-5/8 x 10-13/16 in. (42.3 x 27.5 cm)
Classification
Drawings
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Harry G. Sperling, 1971
Accession Number
1975.131.33
Tags
Art Historical Context
Giovanni Lanfranco (1582–1647), a leading figure of the Italian Baroque, masterfully captured movement and emotion in his drawings, often as preparatory studies for grand frescoes and altarpieces. This double-sided sheet features on the recto a contemplative seated male figure draped in flowing fabric, rendered with fluid black chalk lines that emphasize volume and texture. The verso bursts with energetic sketches of playful putti—chubby, winged cherubs—hinting at Lanfranco's dynamic compositions for religious or mythological scenes, influenced by his mentors, the Carracci brothers, in Bologna...
About the Artist
Giovanni Lanfranco · 1582–1647
Most famous for his dome frescoes, including the 'Assumption of the Virgin' in the dome of S Andrea della Valle in Rome. Italian artist. Comment on works: History