Who painted Study for the Sibyl of the Casa Budrioli?

Study for the Sibyl of the Casa Budrioli was painted by Lorenzo Pasinelli in 1678.

Where can I see Study for the Sibyl of the Casa Budrioli?

Study for the Sibyl of the Casa Budrioli is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Study for the Sibyl of the Casa Budrioli?

Study for the Sibyl of the Casa Budrioli is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Study for the Sibyl of the Casa Budrioli?

Museum-quality prints of Study for the Sibyl of the Casa Budrioli are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Study for the Sibyl of the Casa Budrioli

Lorenzo Pasinelli , 1678

Study for the Sibyl of the Casa Budrioli is a chalk drawing by the Baroque artist Lorenzo Pasinelli. It dates from 1678 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:by Luigi Grassi, lower recto in pen and brown ink: [not deciphered] e cigola ad aloro / per scrite / coto[not deciphered] fini marm / [not deciphered] mate / [not deciphered] sibi / [not deciphered] me moderno / [not deciphered]
Markings: Marked:Charles Henri Marcellis [1798 - 1864], Liege (Lugt 609). E. R. Lamponi-Leopardi [second half of 19th century], Florence (Lugt 1760)

About this work

Overview

Created in 1678 by Lorenzo Pasinelli, this red chalk drawing serves as a preparatory study for a larger decorative project. Executed on laid paper, it captures a seated female figure with refined simplicity. The work is part of the National Gallery of Art’s collection in Washington, D.C., and reflects the artist’s engagement with classical themes through intimate, observational drawing.

Subject & Meaning

The draped garment and serene posture convey dignity rather than theatricality, aligning with Baroque-era ideals of restrained elegance in allegorical figures.

The figure is likely a sibyl, a prophetic woman from ancient tradition, depicted in a moment of quiet contemplation. Her turned head and floral-adorned hair suggest a blend of naturalism and symbolic reference, evoking antiquity without overt narrative. The draped garment and serene posture convey dignity rather than theatricality, aligning with Baroque-era ideals of restrained elegance in allegorical figures.

Technique & Style

Pasinelli employed red chalk with subtle gradations to model form and suggest volume. Delicate, fluid lines define the contours of the robe and hair, while soft shading enhances the tactile quality of the fabric. A faint rectangular outline hints at the intended framing of the final composition, and a small monogram in the lower right may indicate the artist’s mark or workshop notation.

History & Provenance

The drawing was produced during Pasinelli’s active years in Bologna, where he contributed to fresco cycles in private residences. It was likely made as a study for a ceiling or wall decoration in the Casa Budrioli, a Bolognese palace. The work entered the National Gallery of Art’s collection through established acquisition channels, preserving its connection to 17th-century Italian decorative practice.

Context

In late 17th-century Bologna, artists often produced detailed chalk studies for large-scale decorative programs. Pasinelli’s work reflects the city’s tradition of combining academic discipline with expressive draftsmanship. This drawing aligns with contemporaneous practices in which preparatory sketches were valued both as functional tools and as autonomous works of art.

Legacy

Though not widely exhibited, this study exemplifies the quiet precision of Bolognese draftsmanship in the Baroque period. It contributes to the understanding of how artists translated monumental themes into intimate, tactile forms. Its preservation underscores the importance of preparatory drawings in the artistic process of the time.