Artwork

A Female Figure Seated on an Entablature, Holding a Distaff

A Female Figure Seated on an Entablature, Holding a Distaff, by Lorenzo de Ferrari, chalk, 1705
A Female Figure Seated on an Entablature, Holding a Distaff, by Lorenzo de Ferrari, chalk, 1705

A Female Figure Seated on an Entablature, Holding a Distaff is a chalk drawing by the Baroque artist Lorenzo de Ferrari. It dates from 1705 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

A Female Figure Seated on an Entablature, Holding a Distaff is a drawing created by Lorenzo De Ferrari around 1705 using black chalk on laid paper. It is a representative work of the Italian Baroque period.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a woman seated on a ledge, holding a distaff, a tool used for spinning fibers. Her loose hair and simple dress suggest a domestic or everyday setting.

Technique & Style

The drawing is characterized by loose, quick lines and shading that convey the subject's form and drapery. The sketchy execution suggests it may have been a rapid study, prioritizing overall pose and movement over detailed rendering.

History & Provenance

The drawing is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, indicating its significance within the artistic heritage of the Baroque period.

Context

This work is associated with the Baroque movement, known for its dramatic and expressive qualities, although this drawing's subdued tone is more characteristic of a study or preparatory work.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Lorenzo de Ferrari

Artist

Lorenzo de Ferrari

Lorenzo De Ferrari (14 November 1680 – 28 July 1744) was an Italian painter of the Baroque period, active mainly in his native city of Genoa.

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