Design for a Wall Decoration with a River God and Putti carrying the Symbols of King François I
The complex layering, extreme flatness, ornamental line, and compression and crowding of forms in the design of this work are all characteristic of the style that evolved at the château at Fontainebleau during the reign of Francis I. At his palace in the woods outside Paris, the king had assembled such talented Italian artists as Rosso Fiorentino (1494–1540) and Francesco Primaticcio (1504–1570) to head a workshop dedicated to every facet of the palace's decoration. This drawing's technique seems closest to that of one of Rosso's collaborators, Léonard Thiry (1500–ca. 1550), particularly his designs for engraved book illustrations.
Artwork Details
- Title: Design for a Wall Decoration with a River God and Putti carrying the Symbols of King François I
- Artist: Anonymous, French, School of Fontainebleau, 16th century
- Artist: Close to the manner of Leonard Thiry (Netherlandish, active Fontainebleau ca. 1536–50)
- Date: ca. 1530–47
- Medium: Pen and brown ink, brush and brown wash, over red chalk
- Dimensions: 12 5/8 x 11 1/8 in. (32 x 28.2 cm)
- Classifications: Drawings, Ornament & Architecture
- Credit Line: Harry G. Sperling Fund, 2001
- Object Number: 2001.514
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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Anonymous, French, School of Fontainebleau, 16th century
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Anonymous, French, School of Fontainebleau, 16th century
Giulio Romano
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Anonymous, French, School of Fontainebleau, 16th century
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Anonymous, French, School of Fontainebleau, 16th century
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ca. 1545
Anonymous, French, School of Fontainebleau, 16th century
ca. 1542–45
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