Studies of modelli for sculptural projects by Giambologna, on the front the Apennine and detail from the base of the fountain of Samson and on the back a fountain, possibly with the figure of Neptune

1591

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Dominant colour

Studies of modelli for sculptural projects by Giambologna, on the front the Apennine and detail from the base of the fountain of Samson and on the back a fountain, possibly with the figure of Neptune is a 1591 by Pietro Francavilla, a Renaissance work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Pietro Francavilla
When & what style?: 1591 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This drawing shows two sketches. The top sketch is of a man sitting on a rock, with his head in his hands. He is surrounded by trees and bushes. The bottom sketch is of a large stone head, possibly a sculpture. It has a beard and a crown on its head. The drawings are done in a style that is typical of the Renaissance period. The artist has used cross-hatching and stippling to create texture and depth in the drawings. The use of these techniques gives the drawings a sense of volume and weight. If you like this style of drawing, you might want to check out the Renaissance movement.

The story of this work

Overview

The sheet contains two-sided studies by Giambologna and his assistant Pietro Francavilla. On the front, the upper drawing depicts the Apennine fountain, while the lower one shows a detail from the base of Giambologna’s Samson fountain. The reverse features a fountain design possibly featuring Neptune holding a shell. The drawings likely served as studio records of terracotta models, some of which are now lost or were never executed.

Read the full account in the museum source.