Workshop of Giovanni Battista Piranesi
1720-1778
Studies from the Antique with Rams' Heads, Barbarian Trophies, and Figures of Victory
ca. 1755-65
18 3/8 x 14 11/16 inches (467 x 374 mm)
Red and black chalk on paper, trimmed irregularly along right edge.
1966.11:34
Bequest of Junius S. Morgan and gift of Henry S. Morgan.
Notes
This sheet raises many of the questions of attribution that complicate discussion of Piranesi's drawings of antiquities. It is impossible to imagine these lifeless and hesitant sketches as Piranesi's own work: comparing the rams' heads to those in Morgan drawing 1966.11:29, there is a world of difference in the quality of line and the incisiveness of the depiction. These examples must be by a member of Piranesi's studio, making drawings of some of the same models that interested the master.
Inscriptions/Markings
Watermark: Fleur-de-lis inside doube circle, mongram "CB" above, centered on chain line. Same watermark on 1966.11:33.
Associated names
Morgan, Jane Norton, 1868-1925, former owner.
Morgan, Junius Spencer, 1892-1960, former owner.
Morgan, Henry S. (Henry Sturgis), 1900-1982, former owner.
Morgan, Junius Spencer, 1892-1960, former owner.
Morgan, Henry S. (Henry Sturgis), 1900-1982, former owner.
Bibliography
Stampfle, Felice. Giovanni Battista Piranesi, Drawings in the Pierpont Morgan Library. New York : Dover, 1978, no. 34, repr.
Artist
Classification
Century Drawings
School
Catalog link
Department