Artwork
Figures Deciphering an Inscription, with Two Women Seated [Study for Oeuvres de Bossuet, IV]
![Figures Deciphering an Inscription, with Two Women Seated [Study for Oeuvres de Bossuet, IV], by Giovanni Battista Piazzetta, chalk, 1736](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/giovanni-battista-piazzetta--figures-deciphering-an-inscription-with-two-women-seated-stu--24638de2183fad9c-w1024.webp)
Figures Deciphering an Inscription, with Two Women Seated [Study for Oeuvres de Bossuet, IV] is a chalk drawing by the Baroque artist Giovanni Battista Piazzetta. It dates from 1736 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:by later hand, lower left of mount in graphite: 31,5 x 8,5
About this work
Overview
Figures Deciphering an Inscription, with Two Women Seated is a black chalk drawing on laid paper created by Giovanni Battista Piazzetta around 1736. It is a study for a printed volume and is now held in the National Gallery of Art, Washington.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts four figures gathered around an inscription, with two women seated in the foreground. One holds a scroll, while a man points at the inscription and another woman kneels, reaching towards them.
Technique & Style
Executed in quick, loose lines, the drawing prioritizes capturing movement and posture over detail. The scratchy, expressive lines convey the scene's energy, suggesting a spontaneous and hurried creation.
History & Provenance
The drawing was created as a study for a printed volume, likely Oeuvres de Bossuet, IV, indicating its original purpose was to aid in the illustration of a published work.
![Female Figure (Penitent Magdalene?) [verso]](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/donato-creti--female-figure-penitent-magdalene-verso--b0756d00ad6853a6-w320.webp)
Artist & collection
Artist
Giovanni Battista Piazzetta was an Italian Rococo painter of religious subjects and genre scenes.
Flight into Egypt: The Embarkment of the Holy Family
Reconciliation of the Romans and the Sabines (recto)
Spectators Amazed
The Lamentation
Saint Homobono
Studies for Christ Before Caiaphas![Figure Studies [recto], by Giovanni Battista Cipriani](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/giovanni-battista-cipriani--figure-studies-recto--32b47b1a71716a78-w320.webp)
Figure Studies [recto]
Recto: Three monks; verso: Slight sketch of a woman reclining, above: The lower portion of another figure
The Sacrifice of Iphigenia (recto) / Study of a Male Nude (verso)
A group of artists drawing![The Adoration of the Magi [recto], by Donato Creti](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/donato-creti--the-adoration-of-the-magi-recto--2cfd5d76b55e821e-w320.webp)
The Adoration of the Magi [recto]- Female Figure (Penitent Magdalene?) [verso]