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1 of 253523 objects
Domenichino (Bologna 1581-Naples 1641)
Four studies of friars c. 1631-33
Black chalk on light brownish grey paper | 21.1 x 25.7 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 901197
Domenichino (Bologna 1581-Naples 1641)
Four studies of friars c. 1631-33
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Four studies for figures in the background on the right of The Eruption of Vesuvius, a fresco in a lunette in the Cappella del Tesoro in the Duomo, Naples. From left to right the figures depicted are a kneeling friar in prayer, a friar carrying a cross, and two studies of friars embracing a skull.
In 1631 Domenichino was commissioned to paint a fresco cycle in the Cappella del Tesoro in the Duomo, Naples. The scheme included the painting of the three lunettes: these frescoes represent, on the entrance wall, The Eruption of Vesuvius; on the wall to the right of the entrance, S. Gennaro protects the City of Naples from the Saracens; on the wall to the left of the entrance, S. Gennaro led to Martyrdom.
The lunette of The Eruption of Vesuvius was the first of the frescoes in the chapel to be completed, details of the scene deriving, according to the biographer Giovanni Pietro Bellori, from Domenichino's observations during the eruption of 1631-2. Payment for this lunette and for the lunette of S. Gennaro led to Martyrdom is recorded on 26 November, 1633. These lunettes were probably designed concurrently. The lunette of S. Gennaro protects the City of Naples from the Saracens was completed by 12th March, 1637.Provenance
Bequeathed to Francesco Raspantino; Carlo Maratti, after 1664; from whom purchased by Clement XI, 1703; by whom bequeathed to his nephew, Alessandro Albani, 1721; from whom purchased by George III, 1762
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Creator(s)
Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Black chalk on light brownish grey paper
Measurements
21.1 x 25.7 cm (sheet of paper)
Other number(s)
RL 1197Alternative title(s)
The Eruption of Vesuvius
