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This is a drawing of a mythological or allegorical scene with architectural elements and draped figures. The drawing portrays a group of figures situated around a large urn that rests upon a stone plinth. On the left side, an elderly figure appears to be conversing with another adult figure who is sitting and holding an infant or small child on their lap. Meanwhile, the reclining figure on the ground, semi-draped, seems to be interacting with the other figures. Behind them, two figures stand, their gestures suggesting conversation. The background depicts an expansive sky with expressive cloud forms. Elements of nature, such as a tree, and slight hints of a distant landscape enhance the setting’s serene yet classical ambiance.
National Gallery of Art · Print
A Satyr with a Staff and Seven Other Figures
Francesco Fontebasso
- Date
- 1744
- Medium
- etching on laid paper
- Dimensions
- plate: 28.5 × 39.1 cm (11 1/4 × 15 3/8 in.) sheet: 29.9 × 40.4 cm (11 3/4 × 15 7/8 in.)
- Classification
- Accession number
- 2014.117.5
- Credit line
- Gift of Karin Wachtel in memory of her husband, Cesare Morini
- Time span
- 1726 to 1750
- Department
- CG-E
Portfolio and series
- Series
- Varii Baccanali et istorie
Subjects and terms
- etching
- classical
- mythology
Provenance
Cesare Morini, Milan; his widow, Karin Wachtel, Milan; gift to NGA, 2015
Inscription
by later hand, verso in graphite: DeV7 83 c 37517
NGA object ID 166120. 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.