Design for a Stage Set: A Town Square with a Fountain. 1657 - 1743

This is Ferdinando Galli Bibiena's "Design for a Stage Set: A Town Square with a Fountain," a drawing of muted washes on paper. The architectural rendering, viewed from an oblique angle, presents a town square framed by monumental buildings. Bibiena masterfully uses line and perspective to create a sense of depth and grandeur. The buildings, rendered in precise detail, display a classical influence, with their symmetrical facades, ornate moldings, and rows of arched windows. Note how the composition draws the eye toward the center, where an obelisk serves as a focal point, enhancing the theatrical illusion. The subtle gradations of tone and shade create volume and texture, emphasizing the architectural forms. The entire scene challenges fixed perspective, inviting the viewer into a world where space and perception are fluid and dynamic. This drawing offers a glimpse into the baroque sensibilities of stage design, where illusion and spectacle were paramount.