Selene and Endymion, design for a ceiling painting 1655 - 1726

This drawing, made by Alessandro Gherardini, is rendered in pencil and white chalk on blue paper and illustrates Selene and Endymion for a ceiling painting. The blue paper, a cost-effective alternative to canvas, was a common choice for preparatory drawings during the Baroque period. The texture of the paper, though modest, contributes to the ethereal quality of the scene. The use of pencil allowed Gherardini to sketch freely and make adjustments, while the white chalk adds highlights, giving depth and dimension to the figures. Consider the labor involved in producing large-scale ceiling paintings. Artists like Gherardini often led workshops, employing assistants to transfer their designs onto ceilings. The grid markings visible on the drawing indicate a system for scaling up the composition. The social context of this drawing lies in the patronage system of the time. Patrons, often wealthy aristocrats or religious institutions, commissioned artists to create grand works. By examining the materials, processes, and social context, we gain a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural significance, and challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.