Prophets, Patriarchs, Saints, and Music-Making Angels in Glory

Giovanni Battista Gaulli (Il Baciccio)

1639–1709 · Pen and brown ink, brush and gray wash, over black chalk · Drawings and Prints

Designed by the brilliant but tormented architect Francesco Borromini, Sant’Agnese, on the Piazza Navona, is among the most celebrated Baroque churches in Rome. In 1670 Ciro Ferri was commissioned to paint the 'cupola' (dome), but work dragged on and was interrupted by his death in 1689. Hoping to procure this prestigious commission, Baciccio submitted a sketch for the ceiling fresco, which was to represent the Virgin presenting Saint Agnes to the Trinity in the presence of the Heavenly Host (this 'bozzetto' is now in the Kunstmuseum, Düsseldorf). This detailed and carefully executed drawing records his design for part of that ambitious composition, which was ultimately realized by Sebastiano Corbellini, a mediocre follower of Ciro Ferri, Baciccio's effort having been in vain.

Artist

Giovanni Battista Gaulli (Il Baciccio)

Date

1639–1709

Medium

Pen and brown ink, brush and gray wash, over black chalk

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1961