Studies of Aurora and Apollo 1794

Pietro Fancelli’s “Studies of Aurora and Apollo” (1794) is a detailed charcoal drawing that depicts figures from Roman mythology. Composed of multiple figures in different poses, this sketch illustrates the dynamic interplay of the figures and the clouds, and the artist's emphasis on capturing the energy and movement of the scene. The inclusion of a grid suggests this was a preparatory study for a larger work. The artist, known for his neoclassical style, employed this drawing as a tool to explore the composition and figure relationships before embarking on a grander painting.