Putti Leading a Goat
1747
watercolor
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
Artist
Giovanni Francesco Costa
Giovanni Francesco Costa (1767–1770) was an artist.
See the richer artist page1747
watercolor
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Putti Leading a Goat is a 1747 watercolor by Giovanni Francesco Costa, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows two chubby, winged boys—putti—leading a goat by a rope. The goat’s horns curve outward, and its body is mostly hidden under a green leafy garland the boys are holding. The garland has red berries and a few flowers, and the whole scene looks like it’s framed by vines. The background is mostly empty, letting the bright colors of the leaves and the boys’ pale skin stand out. The artist used a mix of ink lines and soft watercolor washes to keep things light and sketchy. The colors are simple but warm, with the green leaves and red berries popping against the light paper. Next, look up technique: watercolor, glazing to see how artists build up colors like this.
Giovanni Francesco Costa (1767–1770) was an artist.
See the richer artist pageYour cart is empty
Explore artworks →
