Two Equestrian Figures with Figure on Ground
Classification
Drawing
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Museum purchase through gift of various donors and from Eleanor G. Hewitt Fund
Accession Number
1938-88-8332
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
**Two Equestrian Figures with Figure Ground** is a captivating drawing by Fortunato Duranti, Italian artist (1787–1863) renowned for his neoclassical sculptures and preparatory sketches. Created between 1820 and1850, this work captures two mounted figures alongside a fallen one on the ground, ev dramatic tension typical of the era's interest in heroic narratives and classical motifs. Duranti, active in Rome during the Napoleonic aftermath and Risorgimento stirrings, often drew from antiquity, blending precise anatomy with dynamic composition to prepare for marble works. Though the medium remains unidentified amid ongoing research, its classification as a drawing highlights the preparatory role such sketches played in 19th-century sculpture. Housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum—acquired through donor gifts and the Eleanor G. Hewitt Fund—this piece bridges European neoclassicism with American collections, showcasing how transatlantic tastes elevated Italian draftsmanship. The equestrian theme recalls ancient Roman triumphs or Renaissance battles, inviting viewers to ponder its untold story. What makes this artwork intriguing is its "research in progress" status, hinting at discoveries yet to come. Visit and imagine the sculptural visions Duranti might have envisioned from these fluid lines! (198 words)