Design for Festival Decorations on the Bases of Piers 1702 - 1786

This pen-and-ink drawing by Italian architect Carlo Marchionni, "Design for Festival Decorations on the Bases of Piers," depicts a series of decorative panels adorned with cherubs, garlands, and elaborate framing. Created between 1702 and 1786, the design likely served as a preparatory sketch for a grand celebration, highlighting the Rococo style's emphasis on ornamentation and asymmetry. The drawing, currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases Marchionni's mastery in crafting theatrical and visually captivating architectural embellishments.