Artwork

A Portrait of a Queen and a Study of a Woman Seated on a Cloud; verso, Sleeping Figure

A Portrait of a Queen and a Study of a Woman Seated on a Cloud; verso, Sleeping Figure is a chalk drawing by the Baroque artist Simone Cantarini. It dates from 1630 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1630, this red‑chalk drawing on laid paper is attributed to Simone Cantarini, an Italian artist active in Bologna. The work combines a portrait of a queen with a study of a seated woman, while the reverse side features a reclining figure. It exemplifies Cantarini’s dual interest in formal portraiture and intimate figure studies.

Subject & Meaning

The front of the sheet presents a regal likeness, likely intended as a formal portrait of a queen, alongside a more informal study of a woman positioned on a cloud, suggesting an allegorical or decorative purpose. The verso shows a sleeping figure, emphasizing the artist’s exploration of varied poses and states of repose.

Technique & Style

Executed in red chalk, the drawing displays Cantarini’s characteristic delicate modeling and subtle tonal transitions. The use of laid paper provides a textured surface that enhances the luminous quality of the chalk, while the precise line work reflects the Bolognese classicist tradition tempered by a naturalistic observation of the human form.

History & Provenance

The drawing is dated to the early 1630s, a period when Cantarini was establishing his reputation in Bologna after training with Guido Reni. Its survival on both sides indicates it may have served as a study sheet for a larger composition or as a teaching tool, though specific ownership records prior to its museum acquisition are not documented.