Council of the Gods 1690 - 1767

Giacomo Zoboli created “Council of the Gods” with pen and brown ink, and brown wash on paper. Here, Zoboli arranges a multitude of classical deities in a celestial gathering, structured across an extended horizontal plane. The figures are enveloped in swirling clouds, rendered with a dynamic wash technique that animates the scene. Light and shadow play across the bodies, accentuating their muscular forms and the drama of their gestures. This work reflects the Baroque interest in dramatic composition and dynamic movement, with figures arranged to suggest depth and interaction. The use of wash creates a tonal range that enhances the three-dimensionality of the figures, while the pen lines define the contours and details. The formal arrangement is a deliberate attempt to emulate the grandeur and complexity of classical mythology, transforming the flat surface into an illusionistic space filled with divine activity. This approach invites us to consider how Zoboli uses form to convey narratives and evoke emotional responses, all while engaging with the rich artistic traditions of his time.