Standing Magus (recto); Sketch of Stable and Trees (verso)
Medium
Black chalk (recto), and red and black chalk (verso), on cream laid paper
Dimensions
40.9 × 26.4 cm (16 1/8 × 10 7/16 in.)
Classification
drawings (visual works)
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
112361
Art Historical Context
This double-sided drawing by Domenico Fiasella invites viewers to explore the intimate side of artistic creation. The recto presents a standing Magus rendered in black chalk, with fluid lines that suggest careful study of pose and drapery. On the verso, lighter touches of red and black chalk capture a simple stable and trees, transforming the sheet into a versatile workspace for ideas. Created on cream laid paper measuring roughly 41 by 26 centimeters, the work demonstrates chalk’s expressive range for quick yet evocative studies. Such drawings often served as preparatory tools, allowing arti...
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