The Apotheosis of Romulus: Design for a Ceiling
1676
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1676
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
A man in white rises into the sky, wrapped in clouds. Men and gods look on as horses pull a chariot through the air. The scene is framed by painted columns and arches that seem to blend with a real room. This drawing was a plan for a ceiling fresco. The artist used strong lines at 90 and 45 degrees to make the space feel deep and real. It was meant to fool the eye, blending paint with actual architecture. Look up the technique: chiaroscuro.
