Accurately delineating the perspective of a curving arcade seen at an angle, this impressive sheet is likely an autonomous drawing rather than a design for a theatrical production. Probably by Giuseppe Bibiena, it is akin to drawings executed by his father, Ferdinando, and by Ferdinando’s pupils at the Accademia Clementina in Bologna.
Attributed to Giuseppe Galli Bibiena (1695–1757)
Circular Colonnaded Atrium, ca. 1730
Pen and brown ink, gray wash, blue and green watercolor, and white opaque watercolor
Promised gift of Jules Fisher