Study for Jacob Blessing the Sons of Joseph (recto); Sketches: Saint Christopher; Two Figures in Conversation over Money (verso)
c. 1620
Medium
Pen and brown ink, with brush and gray and brown wash (recto) and pen and brown ink and graphite (verso), on cream laid paper
Dimensions
18.1 × 24.5 cm (7 3/16 × 9 11/16 in.)
Classification
pen and ink drawings
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
112725
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
This is the earliest known study for a commission that Guercino was given in 1620 by Cardinal Jacopo Serra, Legate of Ferrara. The forceful, naturalistic drawing captures the moment of the Old Testament story in which Joseph attempts to guide the blessing arm of the nearly blind Jacob away from his younger son Ephraim to the head of his first-born, Manasse.
About the Artist
Guercino · 1591–1666
Son of a laborer who transported wood. He was called Guercino (squinter), because he was cross-eyed or had a squint in his right eye. Reputedly self-taught early, then an apprentice in the shop of Benedetto Gennari. Patrons included the papal legate at Ferrara and the Archbishop of Bologna. He developed a classical style later in his career. After the death of Guido Reni, Guercino was the leading ...