God the Father Appearing to Jacob
Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione (Il Grechetto) Italian
Not on view
Castiglione is one the most innovative and technically brilliant draftsman of his time, a claim that is amply demonstrated through this drawing. He often made large compositions by working spontaneously on the paper, mixing different media to create an almost rough appearance that greatly enlivens the scene. Here, supported by angels and surrounded by putti, God appears to Jacob, who kneels on the ground accompanied by his two wives, Leah and Rachel, and two infants. Within this expansive landscape, the artist included a classical temple at right and fragments of architectural elements on the ground at left. They have nothing to do with the narrative scene but help balance the composition visually.
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