Design for a Frame or Epitaph (recto); Caryatid Supporting a Frame (verso) 1652 - 1725

This design for a frame or epitaph was created by Giovanni Battista Foggini, most likely with graphite or black chalk on paper. A relatively modest and accessible medium, its earthiness lends itself to the drawing’s subject. Foggini rendered the classical architectural details of a frame, maybe for a portrait or a memorial plaque. The visible strokes testify to a maker working with traditional methods. The verso depicts a caryatid, a sculpted female figure serving as an architectural support, adding a layer of meaning to the frame, traditionally associated with strength and resilience. These drawings showcase Foggini's understanding of classical forms, seen in the symmetrical composition and decorative elements. He engaged with the aesthetic language of ancient Greece and Rome, a common practice during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, blending art, craft and design. The emphasis on line and form suggests an artisan deeply engaged with the material, carefully considering its potential to capture light and shadow.