Study for Saturn Presiding over the City of Bologna, with the Arms of Cardinal Giulio Sacchetti c. 1640

Giovanni Battista Coriolano's "Study for Saturn Presiding over the City of Bologna, with the Arms of Cardinal Giulio Sacchetti" is a red chalk drawing dated around 1640. The drawing features Saturn, the Roman god of time, standing at the center of the composition. He is depicted as a powerful figure holding a scythe, with his feet planted firmly on a platform. Above Saturn, two putti hold a shield with the arms of Cardinal Giulio Sacchetti, suggesting a commission for a larger artwork. The drawing's composition and detailed lines showcase Coriolano's mastery of figure drawing and his ability to capture the essence of classical mythology. This study provides a glimpse into the creative process of the artist and the complexity of a large-scale project.