Artwork

One Angel Blowing a Trumpet, and Another Holding a Standard

One Angel Blowing a Trumpet, and Another Holding a Standard, by Fra Bartolommeo, ink, 1500
One Angel Blowing a Trumpet, and Another Holding a Standard, by Fra Bartolommeo, ink, 1500

One Angel Blowing a Trumpet, and Another Holding a Standard is an ink drawing by the Renaissance artist Fra Bartolommeo. It dates from 1500 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

One Angel Blowing a Trumpet, and Another Holding a Standard is a Renaissance drawing by Fra Bartolommeo, dated to around 1500, executed in pen and brown ink on laid paper with a red chalk grid for transfer purposes.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts two angels in allegorical context: one sounding a trumpet, the other holding a standard. Their attire consists of flowing robes, with the trumpet-blowing angel distinguished by a more elaborate costume.

Technique & Style

The artist utilized pen and brown ink to achieve depth and texture, complemented by a red chalk grid that imposes structural order on the composition, suggesting a preparatory stage for a larger painted work.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1500, the drawing's provenance is not detailed here, though its materials and technique are characteristic of Fra Bartolommeo's practice during this period.

Context

This work exemplifies Renaissance artistic techniques, particularly in the use of mixed media for preparatory drawings intended for transfer to larger scale paintings.

Legacy

While specific influence or direct descendants of this work are not highlighted, it contributes to the broader understanding of Fra Bartolommeo's preparatory processes and Renaissance drawing practices.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.