Artwork
Print from Drawing Book
Print from Drawing Book is an ink print by the Baroque artist Luca Ciamberlano. It dates from 1615 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Luca Ciamberlano’s engraving, dated around 1615, appears in a drawing‑book compilation. The work presents a solitary portrait of a youthful female figure rendered in profile, her hair gathered in a modest bun and her attire consisting of a loose, high‑necked shirt. The composition rests against a pale, beige ground that subtly recedes behind the figure.
Subject & Meaning
The image focuses on a young girl, captured in a calm, introspective pose that emphasizes modesty and restraint. The profile view, a conventional device in early‑17th‑century portraiture, directs attention to the sitter’s features and attire, suggesting an ideal of quiet femininity rather than a specific individual narrative.
Technique & Style
Ciamberlano employs a dense cross‑hatching technique, layering fine incised lines to build tonal variation and texture. This meticulous line work creates a delicate gradation of light and shadow across the head and shoulders, while the background remains uniformly light, reinforcing the figure’s prominence through contrast.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1615, the engraving was likely intended for inclusion in a drawing‑book used by artists and collectors for study. Though specific ownership records are scarce, the work survives in several European print collections, reflecting its circulation among connoisseurs of early Baroque graphic art.
Context
The piece belongs to the broader Baroque period, during which printmaking expanded as a means of disseminating artistic ideas. Engravings such as this served both pedagogical purposes and the growing market for affordable images, allowing a wider audience to engage with contemporary portrait conventions.
Artist & collection
