Drapery Studies for the Magi and the Virgin, ca. 1656
Red chalk heightened with white chalk on dark blue paper
Allgemein28,1 x 27,7 cm (281 x 277 mm)
Sheet dimensions27,6 x 27,3 cm (276 x 273 mm)
About the workThis study demonstrates the intensity with which Carlo Maratti, one of Rome’s most famous 17th-century painters, explored the drapery of clothing. It features sketches of individual garments worn by the Virgin Mary - -the Mother of God according to Christian belief - and one of the three Magi, whom Maratti later depicted together in a painting. The fabrics appear relief-like due to the highlights, that is, the parts of the sketch that Maratti rendered in white chalk. The light accents, contrasting with the darkly drawn areas in the depths of the folds, make the material appear three-dimensional and tangible.
AccessionCollection of the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf
Provenance[...]; seit 1932 Dauerleihgabe der Kunstakademie Düsseldorf
Inventory numberKA (FP) 12883
