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This is a drawing of a complex architectural design with ornate decorative elements. The drawing shows the façade of a building or a conceptualized architectural structure featuring intricate details typical of classical architecture. It includes three levels adorned with sculptures set within niches, decorative cornices, and ornamental panels. The top section includes garlands, putti, and urns. Human figures in relief are depicted across the top two levels, enclosed in rounded niches, while more elaborate scenes with multiple figures are seen in two central panels on the middle level. The bottom portion of the structure is simpler with rectangular outlines. Thin pen lines and a light wash suggest that the drawing serves as a preparatory study or design proposal for an architectural project.
National Gallery of Art · Drawing
A Palatial Wall Ornamented with Sculptures and Paintings
Andrea Semino
- Date
- c. 1570
- Medium
- pen and brown ink with brown wash over graphite on laid paper
- Dimensions
- overall: 26.6 x 41.1 cm (10 1/2 x 16 3/16 in.)
- Classification
- Drawing
- Accession number
- 1994.9.5
- Credit line
- Gift of Joseph F. McCrindle
- Time span
- 1551 to 1600
- Department
- CG-E
Subjects and terms
- detail and ornament
- architecture
- plan
- Palace
- Veronese
Provenance
Lodewijk Houthakker, Amsterdam (hand holding pen or brush, Lugt undescribed); (sale, Christie's, New York, 11 January 1994, no. 7); purchased by NGA, 1994.
Inscription
by later hand, upper left in graphite: Sansovino; by later hand, center left verso in graphite: (not deciphered)
NGA object ID 84652. 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.