Stage Set: Grand Palace Hall with Columns and Grand Staircase

Extraordinary in its range of detail and subtle wash shading, this drawing was probably executed by one of Ferdinando Bibiena’s pupils at the Accademia Clementina in Bologna. A quintessential example of the scena per angolo, the drawing retains prick marks and inscribed lines that show the careful development of its multiviewpoint perspective.

Follower of Ferdinando Galli Bibiena (1657–1743)
Stage Set: Grand Palace Hall with Columns and Grand Staircase, 1719
Pen and brown ink and gray wash, over graphite
Promised gift of Jules Fisher