St.George and the Dragon by Raphael; Biblical Scene; Disposition by Caravaggio; Ero e Leandro; Love by Lambert Sustris; Spinning Girl by Domenico Fetti; Verso: Apollo and Muse by Poussin; Cupid by Corregio; St. Peter and St. John by Poussin; Madonna....

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

Felice Giani (1758–1823), a prominent Italian Neoclassical artist, created this intriguing graphic design sheet, now housed in the Smithsonian Art Museum. Though the exact date remains unknown and research is ongoing, it exemplifies Giani's mastery as a draughtsman who frequently produced meticulous copies after Renaissance and Baroque masters. Such works were essential tools for artistic training, allowing painters to study composition, anatomy, and narrative drama from icons like Raphael andaggio. The recto a vibrant array of subjects: Raphael's heroic *St. George and the Dragon*, a Biblical scene, Caravaggio's dramatic *Disposition*, Lambert Sustris's *Ero e Leandro* and *Love*, and Domenico Fetti's *Spinning Girl*. The verso continues with Poussin's *Apollo and Muse* and *St. Peter and St. John*, Correggio's *Cupid*, and a partial *Madonna*. Rendered in graphic design techniques—likely pen, ink, and wash—Giani captures the essence of each original, blending mythological, religious, and genre themes into a single, scholarly ensemble. This piece highlights Giani's role in the Neoclassical revival, bridging 16th- and 17th-century innovations with 19th-century appreciation for classical antiquity. Acquired through museum donors, it invites visitors to ponder how artists like Giani preserved and reinterpreted Europe's artistic heritage, fostering a timeless dialogue across centuries.