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This drawing features figures and cherubs among the clouds. It depicts multiple celestial beings interacting in an ethereal environment, surrounded by swirling clouds. The drawing uses soft, flowing lines in red and black chalk to convey movement and lightness. The figures wear garments and wings, adding to the dynamic flair of the scene. The composition creates depth through layered arrangements of figures.
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This drawing features figures and cherubs among the clouds. It depicts multiple celestial beings interacting in an ethereal environment, surrounded by swirling clouds. The drawing uses soft, flowing lines in red and black chalk to convey movement and lightness. The figures wear garments and wings, adding to the dynamic flair of the scene. The composition creates depth through layered arrangements of figures.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

Angels and Putti in the Clouds

Federico Zuccaro

Date
1566
Medium
red and black chalk over graphite?, incised with stylus, on laid paper squared with red chalk
Dimensions
overall: 39.7 x 27.2 cm (15 5/8 x 10 11/16 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
1971.23.1
Credit line
Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Time span
1551 to 1600
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • Italian
  • incised (indented with stylus)
  • angels
  • religious
Provenance

Ch. Mewes Arch. (stamp); Nathan Chaïkin, Venthône, Switzerland; NGA purchase in 1971.

Inscription

in unknown hand, lower right in brown ink?: B[AP?]

NGA object ID 52465. 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.