Jupiter was painted by Ubaldo Gandolfi in 1759.

Where can I see Jupiter?

Jupiter is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Jupiter?

Jupiter is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Jupiter

Ubaldo Gandolfi , 1759

Jupiter is a chalk drawing by the Romanticist artist Ubaldo Gandolfi. It dates from 1759 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Ubaldo Gandolfi's 'Jupiter' is a drawing created circa 1759, exemplifying the late-Baroque style. Executed in pen, brown ink, brown wash, and black chalk on laid paper, it showcases the artist's skill in capturing dynamic movement.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a reclining, muscular male figure, likely Jupiter, holding a staff with a snake. The figure's wild hair and leafy crown suggest a mythological or allegorical character, consistent with Gandolfi's known subject matter.

Technique & Style

Gandolfi employed loose, expressive lines and tonal contrasts to convey energy and movement. The use of brown ink and wash lends the work a soft, sketchy quality, indicating a rapid study rather than a finished piece.

History & Provenance

The drawing is now part of the National Gallery of Art's collection in Washington, a testament to Gandolfi's prominence as an artist in late-Baroque Italy, particularly in the Bologna region where he worked alongside his brother Gaetano.