Artwork
A Bishop Blessing a King
A Bishop Blessing a King is a chalk drawing by the Baroque artist Sebastiano Conca. It dates from 1722 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Sebastiano Conca’s drawing titled *A Bishop Blessing a King* dates from 1722. Executed in black and white chalk on blue laid paper, the work presents a ceremonial scene in which a cleric bestows a benediction upon a monarch. The composition reflects the formal interaction between ecclesiastical and secular authority typical of early‑18th‑century visual culture.
Technique & Style
The piece is rendered entirely in monochrome chalk, exploiting the contrast between the dark medium and the cool blue tone of the laid paper. Conca employs precise hatching and delicate shading to model figures and suggest drapery, while the paper’s texture adds subtle depth to the background, creating a restrained yet expressive visual effect.
History & Provenance
Created in 1722, the drawing belongs to Conca’s early output, a period when he was establishing his reputation in Rome. Although specific ownership records are limited, the work has been documented in several catalogues of the artist’s drawings and is presently held in a public collection that specializes in 18th‑century Italian art.
Artist & collection
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The Adoration of the Magi
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