This website presents our knowledge and research on this important aspect of the Royal Collection. As of April 2026 it will not be regularly updated and new research on this topic will sit within the main website.

Vatican Frescoes

Vatican Frescoes

AFTER GIOVANNI FRANCESCO PENNI (1496-C. 1536)

God separating Light from Darkness

c.1853-76

Albumen print | 18.1 x 19.3 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 853341

A photograph of a drawing by G.F. Penni now in the British Museum, London (inv. no.1900,0824.109). Catalogued by Ruland (1876) as being then in the possession of Mr W.B. Tiffin (1795-1877).

The drawing is now regarded as the original by Penni executed for the fresco of God separating Light from Darkness painted by the workshop of Raphael (c.1517-19) in the first bay of the Raphael Loggia in the Vatican. A similar drawing was listed by Ruland (1876) as being then in the collection of the Marchese Ranghiasci-Brancaleoni at Gubbio (see RCIN 853340). For further information see Bibliographic References.
  • Creator(s)

    After Giovanni Francesco Penni (1496-c. 1536) (artist)

  • 18.1 x 19.3 cm (sheet of paper)

  • Acquired for the Prince Consort's Raphael Collection (c.1853-76)

  • Subject(s)
    • Religion & Theology
      • Religions and faiths
        • Christianity
          • Bible & Holy Scripture
            • Old Testament
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
  • Bibliographic reference(s)

    Italian Drawings [...] British Museum: Raphael and his circle: catalogue, 1962 / Philip Pouncey and J.A. Gere, London p.53, no.64

    Other number(s)

    Ruland p.212 B.I.6