Genre
A snake charmer
published 1803Etching | 19.2 x 25.1 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 852363
Traditionally given to Giulio Romano, this drawing is a preparatory study for one of the sixteen medallions of the Sala dei Venti in Palazzo Te, Mantua. A private room of Federico II Gonzaga, this room was decorated with stuccoes and paintings between 1527 and 1528 by Agostino da Mozzanica, Anselmo Guazzi, Benedetto Pagni, Girolamo da Treviso and Rinaldo Mantovano from drawings by Giulio. The decorative program of the room is well explained by an inscription, above a door, which affirms that the destiny of a man depends on the influence of the stars at the time of his birth.
This drawing corresponds to the painted scene at the left end of the south wall under the sign of Capricorn, depicted on the ceiling between the personifications of the months of December and January. According to the 'Mathesis, VIII' of Firmico Materno, the men born at this time of the year are under the influence of the constellation of the Serpentarius which gives them the ability to charm venomous snakes.
Creator(s)
Louise Charlotte Soyer (active c. 1803) (etcher)
After Giulio Romano (Rome c. 1499-Mantua 1546) (artist)
After a work previously attributed to Raphael (1483-1520) (artist)
Charles Paul Landon (1760-1826) (author)
annotation: Left bottom [verso, centre, in ink]
19.2 x 25.1 cm (sheet of paper)
16.4 x 21.7 cm (platemark)
Boummage vendu á Esculape / Deu Esculap wird Ebze bezeign / Hommage schenn to Esculap
- Added to the Prince Consort's Raphael Collection (c.1853-76)
Subject(s)
- Natural Sciences & Mathematics
- Biological sciences
- Zoology
- Animals
- Reptiles
- Snakes
- Poisonous Snakes
- Snakes
- Reptiles
- Animals
- Zoology
- Biological sciences
- Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
- Architecture
- Architectural design
- Architectural decoration & motifs
- Pedestals
- Architectural decoration & motifs
- Architectural design
- Architecture
Object type(s)
- visual works
- prints
- Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Other number(s)
Ruland p.175 B.XLVI.2