Adoration of the Shepherds
Primary
Antonio Balestra
(Verona, Italy, 1666–1740)
NationalityItalian, Europe
Datecirca 1704
MediumPen and brown ink with brush and brown and gray washes and white heightening over traces of black chalk on beige antique laid paper, laid down
DimensionsSheet: 9 7/16 × 12 1/16 in. (24 × 30.7 cm)
Credit LineBlanton Museum of Art, The University of Texas at Austin, The Suida-Manning Collection, 2017.888
Rights Statement
Collection AreaPrints and Drawings
Object number2017.888
On View
Not on viewBalestra was formed in the academic Baroque tradition of Carlo Maratta, but infused this drier, more formulaic style with the richer color, mobile light, and fluid handling of his own native Venetian tradition. In its sound organization but loose elaboration, this drawing suggests his synthesis. In subject, the central motif, and the artist’s development, it is closely related to a painting executed in 1704 for the church of San Zaccaria, Venice.
Exhibitions
