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.)
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.)
Artwork Details
- Title: Studies of a Gentian, Moth, Birds, Cats, Interlacing Motif, and Greek Frets (recto); Ornamental Studies with Figures (verso)
- Artist: Giorgio di Giovanni ("Giorgio da Siena") (Italian, documented Siena 1538–died 1559 Siena)
- Date: 1530–40
- Medium: Pen and two colors of brown ink, brush and watercolor over leadpoint or black chalk (recto); pen and light brown ink over leadpoint or black chalk (verso)
- Dimensions: 7 3/16 x 10 7/16 in. (18.2 x 26.5 cm)
- Classification: Drawings
- Credit Line: Purchase, Gift from the family of Howard J. Barnet, in his memory, 2001
- Object Number: 2001.451a, b
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Ugolino da Siena (Ugolino di Nerio)
ca. 1325–30
Multiple artists/makers
ca. 1478–82
Giovanni da Milano
ca. 1365
Italian, Florence or Siena
ca. 1450–80
Francesco di Giorgio Martini
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.