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

1639–1709
Not on view
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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Prophets, Patriarchs, Saints, and Music-Making Angels in Glory
  • Artist: Giovanni Battista Gaulli (Il Baciccio) (Italian, Genoa 1639–1709 Rome)
  • Date: 1639–1709
  • Medium: Pen and brown ink, brush and gray wash, over black chalk
  • Dimensions: 16-1/4 x 20-13/16 in. (41.3 x 52.8 cm)
  • Classification: Drawings
  • Credit Line: The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1961
  • Object Number: 61.178.1
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

More Artwork

More Artwork
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Allegory of the Immaculate Conception, Giovanni Battista Gaulli (Il Baciccio) Italian, Pen and brown ink, brush and gray wash. Squared in black chalk
Allegory of the Immaculate Conception
Giovanni Battista Gaulli (Il Baciccio)
1639–1709
Christ Giving the Host to a Holy Abbess (after Gaulli), Giovanni Battista Gaulli (Il Baciccio) Italian, Pen and brown ink, brush and gray wash. Squared in black chalk
Christ Giving the Host to a Holy Abbess (after Gaulli)
Giovanni Battista Gaulli (Il Baciccio)
1639–1709
Allegorical Figure of Faith, Giovanni Battista Gaulli (Il Baciccio) Italian, Pen and brown ink, brush and brown wash, highlighted with white, over a little black chalk, on brownish paper
Allegorical Figure of Faith
Giovanni Battista Gaulli (Il Baciccio)
1672
Christ Giving the Host to a Holy Abbess, Giovanni Battista Gaulli (Il Baciccio) Italian, Pen and brown ink, brush and gray wash. Squared in black chalk
Christ Giving the Host to a Holy Abbess
Giovanni Battista Gaulli (Il Baciccio)
1690
Allegorical Composition: Music and Justice with the Spinola Arms, Giovanni Battista Gaulli (Il Baciccio) Italian, Pen and brown ink, brush and brown wash, highlighted with white, over black chalk, on rose-washed paper
Allegorical Composition: Music and Justice with the Spinola Arms
Giovanni Battista Gaulli (Il Baciccio)
1639–1709

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