Picaresque Group with a Monkey and a Magpie 1720 - 1725

This dynamic drawing, created by Italian artist Alessandro Magnasco in the early 18th century, portrays a lively scene of figures engaged in a bustling environment. The composition, executed in brown wash, features a group of figures including a monkey and a magpie, set against an architectural backdrop. Magnasco, known for his depiction of everyday life, captures the energy and chaos of the scene, showcasing his mastery of quick and gestural lines. The drawing, housed at The Art Institute of Chicago, is a testament to the artist’s ability to convey movement and narrative within a confined space.