Floor plan

Style galleriesItalian Baroque

Italian Baroque

Lodovico Widmann, by Tiberio Tinelli, probably 1637
This is a drawing of mythical sea creatures in a marine landscape. The central figures are depicted as mythical beings, possibly mermen, with human torsos and fish-like tails, partially submerged in water. One figure prominently holds a large seashell with text written on it. Around them are various other marine creatures and features such as a distant rocky shore, birds flying in the sky, and waves creating a dynamic setting. The drawing is detailed in line work.
The image shows an etching of four individuals, two adults, and two children. The main adult is sitting with a child on each knee. This person is wearing a hooded cloak with soft facial features. The children have curly hair and are reaching towards each other. The second adult is seated behind them, wearing a loose robe and appears to be holding something, possibly a book. The background features trees, bushes, foliage, and a calm sky.
Judith with the Head of Holofernes, by Massimo Stanzione, ca. 1640
The Genius of Castiglione, by Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione, ca. 1645–47 (published 1648)
Charity, by Guido Reni, ca. 1630

The works in this room are listed below.

Works in this room

Light, theatre and devotion in seventeenth-century Italy.

Section 1, north wall

  1. Lodovico Widmann, by Tiberio Tinelli, probably 1637
    Lodovico WidmannTiberio Tinelli, probably 1637Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. This is a drawing of mythical sea creatures in a marine landscape. The central figures are depicted as mythical beings, possibly mermen, with human torsos and fish-like tails, partially submerged in water. One figure prominently holds a large seashell with text written on it. Around them are various other marine creatures and features such as a distant rocky shore, birds flying in the sky, and waves creating a dynamic setting. The drawing is detailed in line work.
    Title Page for "Ornamenti di fregi e fogliani"Stefano della Bella, probably 1648Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  3. The image shows an etching of four individuals, two adults, and two children. The main adult is sitting with a child on each knee. This person is wearing a hooded cloak with soft facial features. The children have curly hair and are reaching towards each other. The second adult is seated behind them, wearing a loose robe and appears to be holding something, possibly a book. The background features trees, bushes, foliage, and a calm sky.
    The Holy FamilySimone CantariniCourtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 1, south wall

  1. Judith with the Head of Holofernes, by Massimo Stanzione, ca. 1640
    Judith with the Head of HolofernesMassimo Stanzione, ca. 1640Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  2. The Genius of Castiglione, by Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione, ca. 1645–47 (published 1648)
    The Genius of CastiglioneGiovanni Benedetto Castiglione, ca. 1645–47 (published 1648)Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  3. Charity, by Guido Reni, ca. 1630
    CharityGuido Reni, ca. 1630Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Section 2, south wall

  1. The artwork depicts four human figures, two males and two females, seated. One woman holds a baby, while one man holds a young child. The figures have different hairstyles and clothing, sitting in a natural setting with trees and hills in the background. The scene is drawn in a sketch-like style, focusing on lines and expressions.
    The Holy FamilySimone CantariniCourtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. The Vocation of Saint Aloysius (Luigi) Gonzaga, by Guercino (Giovanni Francesco Barbieri), ca. 1650
    The Vocation of Saint Aloysius (Luigi) GonzagaGuercino (Giovanni Francesco Barbieri), ca. 1650Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Section 2, north wall

  1. Samson Captured by the Philistines, by Guercino (Giovanni Francesco Barbieri), 1619
    Samson Captured by the PhilistinesGuercino (Giovanni Francesco Barbieri), 1619Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  2. Youth Playing a Pipe for a Satyr, by Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione, 1645–50
    Youth Playing a Pipe for a SatyrGiovanni Benedetto Castiglione, 1645–50Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Section 3, north wall

  1. Saint John the Baptist Preaching, by Mattia Preti (Il Cavalier Calabrese), ca. 1650
    Saint John the Baptist PreachingMattia Preti (Il Cavalier Calabrese), ca. 1650Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  2. The image shows a drawing of three figures. The central figure is seated, leaning slightly forward with one arm outstretched towards the standing figures. They have short, slightly messy hair, traditional clothing, and muscular limbs. The standing figures on the right are partially obscured but appear to interact with the seated figure. One of them is extending their arm towards the seated figure. The individuals wear layered clothing, with one wearing a head covering. The background is simple, emphasizing the interaction between the figures. The drawing style is classical or historical, using ink and wash for texture and depth.
    Youth Sitting on a Wall in Conversation with Two MenSalvator Rosa, c. 1656/1657Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  3. The Immaculate Conception, by Guido Reni, 1627
    The Immaculate ConceptionGuido Reni, 1627Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art