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The drawing depicts a group of figures gathered around a scene. The image shows a tent with an interior scene where a reclining figure is attended to by others. Outside the tent, various figures in flowing robes stand in groups, with some gesturing or holding objects. There is a sense of movement and interaction among the figures, suggesting a narrative or event unfolding. The drawing utilizes a combination of linework and shading to convey depth and emotion, evoking a composition reminiscent of Renaissance or Baroque styles.
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The drawing depicts a group of figures gathered around a scene. The image shows a tent with an interior scene where a reclining figure is attended to by others. Outside the tent, various figures in flowing robes stand in groups, with some gesturing or holding objects. There is a sense of movement and interaction among the figures, suggesting a narrative or event unfolding. The drawing utilizes a combination of linework and shading to convey depth and emotion, evoking a composition reminiscent of Renaissance or Baroque styles.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

Birth Scene

Giulio Benso

Medium
brush and brown and blue ink with black chalk, heightened with white opaque watercolor, on laid paper
Dimensions
Overall: 23.9 x 34.8 cm (9 7/16 x 13 11/16 in.) support: 26.3 x 36.9 cm (10 3/8 x 14 1/2 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
1943.3.8898
Credit line
Rosenwald Collection
Time span
1601 to 1650
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • Genoese
  • group
  • figure
  • Birth
Inscription

lower center verso: Cangiaso; lower right verso on old mount: Supposed to bethe Birth of Ed. the 2nd; lower right verso on old mount: 1408

Watermarks

illegible design inside a circle with letters below

NGA object ID 11399. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.