French School
17th century
An Architectural Sculpture Court
9 3/8 x 13 1/8 inches (238 x 334 mm)
Pen and brown ink and wash, on paper.
1982.75:223
Gift of Mrs. Donald M. Oenslager, 1982.
Notes
This design for an architectural fantasy or stage set takes as its focus a fountain with Hercules and his nephew (and chariot-driver) Iolaus wrestling the water-serpent, Hydra. At left and right are equestrian groups on pedestals. The fountain is set in a courtyard before a palace with a double staircase. At left is a round temple and a rusticated pavilion, while at right is a crenellated structure, a building with two towers flanking an arch and balcony, and a Cornithian column surmounted by a putto with a wreath. The scene has not been connected to any performance or project, and some scholars, including Jerome de la Gorce, have expressed doubts that it is by a French artist.
Associated names
Mathews, Alister, former owner.
Oenslager, Donald, 1902-1975, former owner.
Oenslager, Donald, 1902-1975, former owner.
Artist
Classification
Century Drawings
School
Catalog link
Department