Artwork
Figures on Steps (Studies for an Assumption of the Virgin)
Figures on Steps (Studies for an Assumption of the Virgin) is an ink drawing by the Baroque artist Carlo Maratta. It dates from 1601 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This drawing, Figures on Steps, is a preparatory work by Carlo Maratta, executed in pen and brown ink over graphite on laid paper.
Technique & Style
The drawing features rapid, gestural lines in brown ink over faint graphite underdrawing. Maratta employed cross-hatching to create nuanced shading, achieving depth without smudging the ink.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts figures ascending steps, their arms outstretched, likely a study for Maratta's Assumption of the Virgin painting. The expressive faces convey emotion, suggesting a narrative focus.
History & Provenance
Created as a study for a larger composition, this drawing reflects Maratta's preparatory process for a significant church painting, although the exact date is not verified to be 1601, as Maratta was born in 1625.
Artist & collection
The Sacrifice of Iphigenia (recto) / Study of a Male Nude (verso)
Sketches with a Hooded Figure (Virgil and Beatrice?)![The Adoration of the Magi [recto], by Donato Creti](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/donato-creti--the-adoration-of-the-magi-recto--2cfd5d76b55e821e-w320.webp)
The Adoration of the Magi [recto]
Reconciliation of the Romans and the Sabines (recto)![Figure Studies [recto], by Giovanni Battista Cipriani](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/giovanni-battista-cipriani--figure-studies-recto--32b47b1a71716a78-w320.webp)
Figure Studies [recto]![Figures Deciphering an Inscription, with Two Women Seated [Study for Oeuvres de Bossuet, IV], by Giovanni Battista Piazzetta](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/giovanni-battista-piazzetta--figures-deciphering-an-inscription-with-two-women-seated-stu--24638de2183fad9c-w320.webp)
Figures Deciphering an Inscription, with Two Women Seated [Study for Oeuvres de Bossuet, IV]
A Bishop Blessing a King![Magdalene Washing the Feet of Christ with Eight Disciples Looking On [recto], by Donato Creti](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/donato-creti--magdalene-washing-the-feet-of-christ-with-eight-disciples-lo--25318e941cc7fc91-w320.webp)
Magdalene Washing the Feet of Christ with Eight Disciples Looking On [recto]
Bacchanal with Children and Chariot
Study of Neptune and Sea Creatures (?)
The Madonna and Child in Glory Adored by Saints
The Lamentation