Design for a Ceiling Painting with a Nuptial Allegory by Pietro Antonio III Novelli

Design for a Ceiling Painting with a Nuptial Allegory c. 1750 - 1775

drawing, coloured-pencil, paper, watercolor

drawing

coloured-pencil

allegory

landscape

figuration

paper

watercolor

coloured pencil

watercolor

rococo

This design for a ceiling painting by Pietro Antonio III Novelli, dating from circa 1750-1775, is a testament to the Rococo style's love of whimsical detail and allegorical imagery. The composition features several figures, likely representing various aspects of a nuptial celebration, set against a backdrop of ethereal clouds. A putto, or winged cherub, floats gracefully above, while two figures, likely representing Venus and Cupid, preside over the scene. This artwork is currently held in the Rijksmuseum.

Comments

rijksmuseum over 1 year ago

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The now almost forgotten Novelli was once an important artist in Venice. He painted many decorations in the city’s palaces. As an art theorist, he propagated a style that wanted to abolish the old disegno (design or drawing) versus colore (colour) rivalry. The drawing’s inscriptions make it clear that the representation was designed for a marriage. Centrally depicted are a man and a woman together holding a heart.