Classical Gods, Muses, and Allegorical Figures 1566 - 1567

This drawing of classical gods and muses was made in the 16th century by Giuseppe Salviati with pen and brown ink, heightened with white gouache, on blue paper. The blue paper would have been prepared to receive the image, meaning that Salviati began with a surface already imbued with color. This preparation is important, because it sets the mood for the composition. Salviati then worked on the surface with brown ink in varied densities to develop the figures and create a sense of depth, and added white gouache highlights, which would have been carefully applied, to create the illusion of light and volume. The drawing’s circular format suggests it was made for a specific purpose, perhaps as a design for a plate or another decorative object. This hints at the complex relationship between the so-called fine arts and other skilled traditions. Salviati moved freely between these realms, adapting his artistic approach to suit the task at hand. Understanding such a work requires us to look beyond conventional categories, and to appreciate the fluidity of creative practice in the Renaissance.