Sketches for paintings. Obverse: A Roman officer holds a crucifix upon a heathen altar. Reverse: Christ rising
ca. 1700
Medium
figures
Classification
figures
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Museum purchase through gift of various donors
Accession Number
1901-39-2712
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Pasqualino Marini's *Sketches for Paintings* (ca. 1700) offers a fascinating glimpse into the preparatory process of a late Baroque artist. This double-sided drawing features dynamic figural studies: on the obverse, a Roman officer boldly holds a crucifix atop a heathen altar, symbolizing the triumph Christianity over paganism; on the reverse, Christ triumphantly, evoking the Resurrection's power and hope. As sketches in the medium of figures, these works capture Marini's fluid lines and expressive poses, essential steps toward larger paintings. Created around the turn of the 18th century, th...