Study for the tomb of Clement VII, lower part

Artist/Maker

Material / Technique

Dimensionsh x w: Mått 27,7 x 47,8 cm h x w: Mått 6,1 x 11,6 cm [liten pappersbit fästad på originalbladet i nertill i centrum

Inventory numberNMH 134/1863

AcqusitionTransferred 1866 from Kongl. Museum (Carl Gustaf Tessin)

Other titlesTitle (sv): Studie till Clements VIIs grav, nedre delen Title (en): Study for the tomb of Clement VII, lower part Inventory title (sv): Project till grafmonument öfver Påfven Clemens VII

DescriptionDescription: Study for the tomb of Clement VII, lower part. Watermark: Two crossed arrows and a star (Close to Briquet 6292, Florence 1509-1510). Numbered in pen and brown ink at lower right: 93 (Sparre) and 56 (crossed out). This and the following architectural study were acquired together, and from the first mention of this sheet in Mariette it was identified as for the tomb of Clement VII in "Santa Maria sopra Minerva" at Rome, a project of the mid-1530s to the early 1540s. The resulting monument was the product of Antonio Sangallo the Younger, Nanni di Baccio Bigio, Bandinelli, and others and does not correspond exactly to the present drawing. In Bandinelli's design Ionic columns divide the architectural screen into three bays, each with a rectangular lower register and a larger arcuated upper section. The effigy of a seated and crowned Clement dominates the center. He holds aloft the keys of the church and balances a book on his knee. His right foot resting on an orb. Below the Pope is the Deposition. At the right is the Conversion of Saul over the Martydom of St. Paul. In the left bay the Baptism surmounts an almost indecipherable scene; however, as two dancing figures are visible at the center, it may be The Dance of Salomé and Beheading of St. John the Baptist. It would thus follow the pattern of all three bays. The design would have shown Clement VII flanked by symbols of his Florentine origins (St. John the Baptist) and the foundation of the Roman Church (st. Paul). [Bjurström, It. Drawings, cat. no. 1105]

Collection

Geographical origin

MaterialBlack chalk (Crayon), Paper, Ink, Red crayon (Crayon)

TechniqueWash drawing, Drawing