Design for the Prow of a Galley of Pope Urban VIII, with Figures of Victory, Sea Gods, Angels, and the Emblems of the Barberini Family

This working drawing by Algardi is a study for the design of the prow of a galley for Pope Urban VIII of the Barberini family (reigned, 1623-1644). The idea for designing this ship may have begun with Alessandro Zambeccari, Lieutenant-General of the papal fleet between 1643 and 1646 and Algardi's patron since the 1630's. The galley was to be called "Urbano," as can be confirmed from the partial inscription in epigraphic letters, "VRBA" spanning the frieze of putti above the figurehead ornament, at the upper right of the sheet. There is a related drawing in pen and brown ink with wash in the Albertina Graphische Sammlung, Vienna (inv. 2438). The project was not finally executed and it may have been blocked by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Algardi's exact contemporary and rival, who virtually monopolized the Roman scene of their day. This attractive and unusual working drawing offers a witty visual conceit on the themes of marine military prowess and family lineage. It is executed with great command of the pen, evoking the spontaneity of line and breadth of formal conception of Pietro da Cortona, Algardi's friend in Rome from the 1930's onward.
(CCB)