Figure Studies 1659 - 1734

Sebastiano Ricci made this pen and wash drawing titled 'Figure Studies' in the 17th-18th century. Ricci, who was from Venice, was instrumental in reinvigorating Venetian painting with his own brand of painterly, theatrical, and decorative style which we can see here. The drawing shows numerous figures gathered together; the women are partially nude and reclining whilst the men are draped. It is a study, and not a finished work so there is a sense of intimacy to it. At this time, the artistic academies of Europe dictated a strict hierarchy of subject matter. History painting which usually depicted biblical or classical scenes was considered the most elevated genre. In this context, Ricci's drawing is a study of a scene from the Western canon but it also opens up questions about how women were represented as passive and available in these historical narratives. The bodies are sketches, but the drawing suggests a world of power and drama.