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This is a drawing depicting a heavenly scene with cherubs and robed figures amongst clouds. The central focus is a majestic female figure standing upon a decorative sphere, holding a branch, surrounded by rays and being attended by several adoring figures, some kneeling, with halos emanating light. The composition includes metallic shadings, baroque decorative elements such as swirls and floral motifs framing the center, and cherubic figures symmetrically placed around the scene. The piece utilizes a monochromatic palette of blues and whites to create a celestial atmosphere, enhancing its mythological and religious undertones.
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This is a drawing depicting a heavenly scene with cherubs and robed figures amongst clouds. The central focus is a majestic female figure standing upon a decorative sphere, holding a branch, surrounded by rays and being attended by several adoring figures, some kneeling, with halos emanating light. The composition includes metallic shadings, baroque decorative elements such as swirls and floral motifs framing the center, and cherubic figures symmetrically placed around the scene. The piece utilizes a monochromatic palette of blues and whites to create a celestial atmosphere, enhancing its mythological and religious undertones.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

An Elaborate Rococo Setting with the Virgin and Child and Saints Defeating Evil, Heresy, and Profane Love

Vitus Felix Rigl

Date
1760s
Medium
pen and black ink with wash and white heightening on blue prepared laid paper, incised for transfer
Dimensions
overall: 44.1 x 34.2 cm (17 3/8 x 13 7/16 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
2002.45.1
Credit line
Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Time span
1751 to 1775
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • Angel
  • German
  • Christ
  • Rococo
  • Snake
  • Christ Child
  • Figures
Provenance

from an 18th - 19th century scrapbook in Private Collection, Oklahoma; Private Collection, Pasadena, California; (Monroe Warshaw, New York); purchased 2002 by NGA.

Inscription

by later hand, lower right in brown ink: v. Felix Rigl Delin.

NGA object ID 124206. 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.