Standing Youth Holding Hat, and Sketch of Legs
Medium
Black chalk on blue laid paper
Dimensions
29.5 × 22.1 cm (11 5/8 × 8 3/4 in.)
Classification
graphite
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
85059
Art Historical Context
This delicate drawing by Domenico Fiasella captures a young man standing in a relaxed pose, one hand holding a hat while additional studies of legs appear at the lower edge. Created in black chalk on blue laid paper, the sheet offers a glimpse into the artist’s working process, likely serving as a preparatory study for a larger composition. The cool blue tone of the paper provides a subtle contrast that enhances the soft modeling of forms, a technique favored by draftsmen for its ability to suggest light and volume. Measuring just under twelve inches in height, the work exemplifies the intima...
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