Design for a Grotesque Decoration
Luzio Luzzi (also known as Luzio Romano, Luzio da Todi)
ca. 1543–45 · Pen and brown ink, brown wash. · Robert Lehman Collection
Probably a fragment of a larger design, this sheet was likely a study for a wall decoration in stucco or fresco. The drawing may have served as a modello, or presentation drawing for a patron, which included annotations indicating the various colors to be used. This type of design, consisting of variously shaped panels adorned with ornamental motifs and mythological figures, was known as "grotesque" (or grotteschi, from the Italian word, grotto, or cave). Inspired by ancient Roman painting, these all’antica designs provided a significant and highly popular model for sixteenth century artists and were frequently used as ceiling or wall decorations in villas and palaces.
- Artist
- Luzio Luzzi (also known as Luzio Romano, Luzio da Todi)
- Date
- ca. 1543–45
- Medium
- Pen and brown ink, brown wash.
- Department
- Robert Lehman Collection
- Credit line
- Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
