Studies of a Gentian, Moth, Birds, Cats, Interlacing Motif, and Greek Frets (recto); Ornamental Studies with Figures (verso)

The range of delicately drawn animal, insect, and ornamental motifs indicates that this sheet was once part of a sketch book or model book. The imagery relates generally to a fresco cycle at the Villa Belcaro, near Siena, which the artist executed between 1530 and 1540; he became the leading practitioner of the genre of naturalistic Antique-style ornamental painting in Siena. Particularly charming here is the lively pen line used to render the two cats and small strutting barnyard fowl, while the study of the insect -- an Acherontia Atropos, otherwise known as a Death’s Head Hawk Moth -- is drawn and painted with a nearly scientific precision.


The range of motifs indicates that this sheet was once part of a sketchbook or model book. The imagery relates generally to a fresco cycle at the Villa Belcaro, near Siena, which the artist executed between 1530 and 1540; Giorgio became the leading practitioner of naturalistic antique-style ornamental painting in Siena. Particularly charming here is the lively pen line used to render the two cats and the small, strutting barnyard fowl, while the insect-Acherontia atropos, otherwise known as a death's-head moth-is drawn and painted with a nearly scientific precision, even though it was intended as a motif in a decorative context.



(C.C.B.)