Artwork
A Seated Man Holding a Tablet
A Seated Man Holding a Tablet is a chalk drawing by the Baroque artist Carlo Maratta. It dates from 1669 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:by other hand, lower right in brown ink: Carlo Maratti; center verso in black ink: [illegible] Nessner(?); lower left verso in graphite: 7
About this work
Overview
A Seated Man Holding a Tablet is a red chalk drawing with white heightening on blue laid paper, executed by Carlo Maratta in 1669. The work depicts a seated figure in a contemplative pose, characterized by loose, expressive lines and nuanced light management.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, a man seated with a tablet, is rendered in a dynamic, in-between state, with one arm resting on the tablet and the other hand raised, implying a gesture in progress. The figure’s slightly turned body adds to the sense of movement and engagement.
Technique & Style
Maratta employed red chalk to establish the figure, supplementing with white heightening to accentuate edges and create contrast against the blue-toned paper. The sketchy, rapid execution suggests a preliminary study rather than a finished piece, emphasizing spontaneity over precision.
History & Provenance
Created in 1669, specific provenance details are not provided, though the work aligns with Maratta’s active period. Further contextualization within Maratta’s oeuvre or collection history is not available from the given information.
Context
This drawing reflects the Baroque emphasis on capturing dynamic movement and manipulating light and shadow to evoke emotion and energy, characteristic of 17th-century artistic practices.
Legacy
While the drawing’s direct influence or notable exhibitions are not specified, it contributes to the understanding of Maratta’s sketching process and the broader Baroque drawing techniques of the late 17th century.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Carlo Maratta or Maratti (18 May 1625 – 15 December 1713) was an Italian Baroque painter and draughtsman, active principally in Rome where he was the leading painter in the second half of the 17th century.
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