Artwork
Homer and Calliope
Homer and Calliope is a chalk drawing by the Romanticist artist Tommaso Conca. It dates from 1786 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:probably by artist across bottom in brown ink: Omero in atto di cantare la sua Iliade, presente Calliope-; later hand center verso in graphite: Tommaso Conca / study for / fresco in Rome; eRv//in graphite: R 18 x 22; lLv//in graphite: 6-May / [?]
About this work
Overview
Homer and Calliope is a drawing created by Tommaso Conca around 1786. It is executed in black chalk with wash and heightening on brown paper.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts an elderly man, likely Homer, seated on a stool with a scroll, accompanied by a younger woman, probably Calliope, the muse of epic poetry. The plain background emphasizes the figures.
Technique & Style
Conca used a combination of chalk, wash, and heightening to define the forms and textures of the figures. The rendering of the man's wrinkles and the woman's hair showcases his confident and expressive draftsmanship.
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Artist & collection
