Artwork

A Portrait of a Queen and a Study of a Woman Seated on a Cloud; verso, Sleeping Figure

A Portrait of a Queen and a Study of a Woman Seated on a Cloud; verso, Sleeping Figure is a chalk drawing by the Baroque artist Simone Cantarini. It dates from 1630 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:by artist, upper right in red chalk: Regina [T?] [?] / Uxor

About this work

Overview

Created in 1630, this red‑chalk drawing on laid paper is attributed to Simone Cantarini, an Italian artist active in Bologna. The work combines a portrait of a queen with a study of a seated woman, while the reverse side features a reclining figure. It exemplifies Cantarini’s dual interest in formal portraiture and intimate figure studies.

Subject & Meaning

The front of the sheet presents a regal likeness, likely intended as a formal portrait of a queen, alongside a more informal study of a woman positioned on a cloud, suggesting an allegorical or decorative purpose. The verso shows a sleeping figure, emphasizing the artist’s exploration of varied poses and states of repose.

Technique & Style

Executed in red chalk, the drawing displays Cantarini’s characteristic delicate modeling and subtle tonal transitions. The use of laid paper provides a textured surface that enhances the luminous quality of the chalk, while the precise line work reflects the Bolognese classicist tradition tempered by a naturalistic observation of the human form.

History & Provenance

The drawing is dated to the early 1630s, a period when Cantarini was establishing his reputation in Bologna after training with Guido Reni. Its survival on both sides indicates it may have served as a study sheet for a larger composition or as a teaching tool, though specific ownership records prior to its museum acquisition are not documented.