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Design for a Grotesque Decoration

ca. 1543–45
Not on view
Probably a fragment of a larger design, this sheet was likely a study for a wall decoration in stucco or fresco. The drawing may have served as a modello, or presentation drawing for a patron, which included annotations indicating the various colors to be used. This type of design, consisting of variously shaped panels adorned with ornamental motifs and mythological figures, was known as "grotesque" (or grotteschi, from the Italian word, grotto, or cave). Inspired by ancient Roman painting, these all’antica designs provided a significant and highly popular model for sixteenth century artists and were frequently used as ceiling or wall decorations in villas and palaces.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Design for a Grotesque Decoration
  • Artist: Luzio Luzzi (also known as Luzio Romano, Luzio da Todi) (Italian, active Rome, documented 1519–1582)
  • Date: ca. 1543–45
  • Medium: Pen and brown ink, brown wash.
  • Dimensions: 10 3/4 x 8 13/16 in. (27.3 x 22.4 cm)
  • Classification: Drawings
  • Credit Line: Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
  • Object Number: 1975.1.334
  • Curatorial Department: The Robert Lehman Collection

More Artwork

More Artwork
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Design for the Decoration of a Wall with Grotteschi in the Antique-Style, Luzio Luzzi (also known as Luzio Romano, Luzio da Todi), Pen and brown ink, brush and brown wash, over traces of black chalk or leadpoint, ruling and compass work; glued onto secondary paper support
Design for the Decoration of a Wall with Grotteschi in the Antique-Style
Luzio Luzzi (also known as Luzio Romano, Luzio da Todi)
1545
Design for a Decorated Frieze with Alternation of Cartouches and Winged Putti, Luzio Luzzi (also known as Luzio Romano, Luzio da Todi), Pen and brown ink, brush and blue wash (over traces of leadpoint (?))
Design for a Decorated Frieze with Alternation of Cartouches and Winged Putti
Luzio Luzzi (also known as Luzio Romano, Luzio da Todi)
16th century
Study for the Equestrian Monument to Francesco Sforza, Antonio Pollaiuolo Italian, Pen and brown ink, light and dark brown wash; outlines of the horse and rider pricked for transfer.
Study for the Equestrian Monument to Francesco Sforza
Antonio Pollaiuolo
early to mid 1480s
The Martyrdom of Saint Paul, Taddeo Zuccaro Italian, Pen and brown and gray ink, brown wash, over black chalk, heightened with white, on buff paper.
The Martyrdom of Saint Paul
Taddeo Zuccaro
ca. 1557–58
Design for a Wall Monument, Francesco di Giorgio Martini Italian, Pen and brown ink, brush and brown wash, blue gouache, on vellum
Design for a Wall Monument
Francesco di Giorgio Martini
ca. 1490

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