Renaissance Drawings of Mythology

Detailed 16th- and 17th-century drawings illustrating mythological themes, featuring intricate figures and dramatic poses in muted tones.

Drawing, Study of a Saint During a Plague; Mariano Rossi (Italian, 1731-1807); Italy; brush and black wash, pen and black ink, black chalk on paper; 34.6 x 23.9 cm (13 5/8 x 9 7/16 in.)

Aurelio Luini / 'An Elderly Couple Entreated by a Young Woman'. Second half of the XVI century. Pencil, Grey-brown ink on blue paper. Museum: Museo del Prado, Madrid, España.

Anonymous 17th-century drawing in chalk, pen, and wash on gray paper, showing the mythological contest between Apollo and Marsyas.

Black and reddish chalk drawing by an anonymous artist showing Aeneas assisting Dido from a horse, with white highlights, emphasizing figures and composition.

Franz Sigrist's depiction of the death of Seneca executed using chalk.

Moses showing the quails to the Israelites (the miracle of the quails and manna) ca. 1545 Andrea Schiavone (Andrea Meldola) Italian. Moses showing the quails to the Israelites (the miracle of the quails and manna) 396442

Bartram de Fouchier black chalk and gray brush drawing with brown spring and oxidized deck white on blue paper depicting Apollo and other gods observing Mars and Venus caught by Vulcan.

Drawing, Study of a Saint During a Plague; Mariano Rossi (Italian, 1731-1807); Italy; brush and black wash, pen and black ink, black chalk on paper; 34.6 x 23.9 cm (13 5/8 x 9 7/16 in.)

Reddish brush drawing on yellowish paper by Francesco Primaticcio depicting women and children attending a concert with cimbles while playing a board game.

Allegory with fame, Hercules and Europe, 1631 - 1705 print Allegorical representation with fame, Hercules and Europe for a ruin of a temple. At the top left an angel with a praise and a crown. paper etching Fama as Roman personification. (story of) Hercules (Heracles)

The Triumph of Galatea 17th century Anonymous, Spanish, School of Seville, 17th century Spanish. The Triumph of Galatea 336592

Bacchanal with Bacchus and a sleeping Woman. 1620 - 1674. Podestà, Giovanni Andrea. Prints. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Print Collection

A feather and chalk drawing by Giulio Romano from 1525/26 depicting the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac, showing Abraham, the bound Isaac, a hovering angel, and a ram on the altar.

Study for the Duel between Heraclius and Khosrau (recto); Sketches of Seated Figure (verso). Niccolò Circignani, called Il Pomarancio; Italian, 1514/24-after 1597. Date: 1582. Dimensions: 275 x 266 mm. Pen and brown ink, with brush and pale brown wash, with black chalk (recto) and black chalk (verso), on ivory laid paper. Origin: Italy. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, USA.

Black and white chalk drawing on brown paper by Johann Daniel Preisler depicting a tobician healed before apostles Peter and Paul, showing figures, gestures, and composition.

Judas brings the silverlings back, Leonaert Bramer, 1606 - 1674 drawing prepared paper. ink pen / brush Judas before the Sanhedrin returning the pieces of silver; he throws the money to the ground

Battle between Lapithen and Centauren, Peter Paul Rubens, 1608 - 1610 drawing Hercules frees Deïanira from the hands of Nessus / Hippodamea freed from her abductor Euryment. paper. deck paint. ink pen / brush the centaur Eurytion tries to carry off Hippodamia, the bride. Hercules shoots Nessus, the centaur, who attempts to carry off Deianira. the centaur Eurytion, while being entertained by King Dexamenus, is attacked by Hercules, who seizes Deianira, the king's daughter

Of Gboresteme - Johannes de Doper, Hotel Francesco Romanelli, 1643 - 1662 drawing paper. chalk birth of John the Baptist, sometimes Mary present

Red chalk drawing by Ercole Procaccini il Giovane depicting Fama blowing a trombone and a putto holding a wreath.

The Vision of St. Hubert. Artist: Vittorio Amedeo Rapous (Italian, Turin () 1728-before 1800 Turin ()). Dimensions: 11-5/8 x 7-1/2 in. (29.6 x 19.0 cm). Date: 1728-1800. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

The communion of Saint Bonaventure, Abraham van Diepenbeeck, 1606 - 1675, Design for a print., draughtsman: Abraham van Diepenbeeck, draughtsman: Anthony van Dyck, 1606 - 1675, paper, brush, h 387 mm × w 257 mm

Drawing by Stefano Pozzi depicting the death of Saint Joseph, executed in black chalk with white highlights on light green paper.

Ecclesia Surrounded by Angels Holding the Instruments of the Passion. Dimensions: overall: 25 x 17.6 cm (9 13/16 x 6 15/16 in.). Medium: pen and brown ink over black chalk heightened with white on laid paper. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Attributed to Bernardo Strozzi.

Faith and Charity, 1728/1731, black chalk counterproof on oatmeal paper, overall: 37 x 26.7 cm (14 9/16 x 10 1/2 in.), Ananoff 1966, no. 938, François Boucher (artist) French, 1703 - 1770, Giovanni Battista Gaulli (artist after) Italian, 1639 - 1709

An anonymous drawing depicting the scourging of Christ, executed with redel, brown brush, and lavated shading, dated 1700-1800.

Feather drawing depicting Amor standing on Jupiters throne, holding a flash in the right hand, left hand around an eagles neck. Laved and whitewashed technique.

A black chalk drawing depicting Ulysses in the land of the Laistrygons, on a sheet showing horizontal and vertical folds and light brown dirt in edges.

A brown ink drawing by an anonymous artist depicting a mythological scene, showing figures and symbolic elements, executed with pen and washes.

Venus and Adonis 17th century Anonymous, Italian, Roman-Bolognese, 17th century Italian. Venus and Adonis 340205

Man with sword attacks a lying man, while a third way, Anonymous, 1600 - 1800 drawing paper. chalk. ink pen / brush Peter draws his sword and cuts off Malchus' ear. traveller(s) attacked by robber(s). crime. robbery

Flaying of Marsyas, Jean-Baptiste van Loo, French, 1684 - 1745, Red chalk on laid paper, Marsyas is tied to a tree, at left. Apollo, standing at right, directs one of his servants, who is shown in from behind, to flay the prisoner., France, 1725-1745, Drawing, Drawing

Cupid Overcoming Pan 1552-1577 Italy. Pen and brown ink, with brush and brown wash, squared in black chalk, on ivory laid paper, laid down on ivory laid card . Orazio Samacchini

A drawing in ink by an anonymous artist showing a minimally dressed shepherd leaning on a stone block, with a dog and sheep nearby, pointing to the top left.

Landscape with Venus and Adonis, c. 1580-1590, Attributed to Lodewyk Toeput, Flemish, (active in Italy), about 1550-about 1604, 8 9/16 x 14 3/8in. (21.8 x 36.5cm), Brown ink and wash over black chalk on laid ivory paper, Flanders (and Italy), 16th century

Framed Sketch for a Man, a Dog and a Tree 1612-66 Pier Francesco Mola Italian. Framed Sketch for a Man, a Dog and a Tree 345136

Seated Virgin and Child with Bishop Saint and Monastic Saint, and Saint John the Baptist. After Bernardino Campi; Italian, 1521-1591. Date: 1541-1591. Dimensions: 198 x 137 mm (max.). Pen and black ink and brush and brown wash, heightened with touches of lead white, on tan laid paper. Origin: Italy. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA.

Venus is committing the Dead Adonis, Bernaert De Rijckere, 1561 drawing paper. chalk. ink pen / brush Venus mourning Adonis

Jupiter, Juno, and Io (recto); Animal Studies(verso). Artist: Girolamo Troppa, Italian, 1630-1710

Madonna in Glory with Two Saints. Artist: Anonymous, Italian, late 16th century. Dimensions: sheet: 15 3/4 x 10 7/16 in. (40 x 26.5 cm). Date: late 16th century. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki's 1787 drawing depicts an allegory on the cremation of Ruppin, executed in red chalk and pencil, showing symbolic figures and scene.

Vision of St. Philip Neri, c. 1673-75. Carlo Maratti (Italian, 1625-1713). Red chalk; sheet: 36 x 26.2 cm (14 3/16 x 10 5/16 in.); image: 35 x 23.3 cm (13 3/4 x 9 3/16 in.).

John Baptist Jackson, after Francesco Primaticcio, Ulysses and Polyphemus Ulysses and Polyphemus

Frederick Bloemaert, Angel Avenging Men, c. 1620s-50s, Light-brown woodcut over etching on paper.

Entombment 16th century Anonymous, Italian, 16th century Italian. Entombment 391558

Allegory of Transience, Jacob de Wit, 1705 - 1754 print Three naked putti play for a pyramid. One of them is blowing. The putti are surrounded by transience symbols such as Globe, the bubble, skull and the antiques sculpted head. These objects indicate the passage of time. The book and the painting palette can be interpreted if the art overcomes death. Amsterdam paper etching Mortality, Extinction of Life. cupids: 'amores', 'amoretti', 'putti'. (children or putti) blowing bubbles, 'Homo Bulla' ~ scene symbolizing 'Vanitas'

Red chalk studies by Polidoro Caldara da Caravaggio from 1524-1526 depicting women, focusing on human form, posture, and figure study.

Depicts Saint Joseph in a dream, drawn in chalk and red chalk on whitewashed paper, focusing on religious symbolism and figures.

José del Castillo / 'Saint Cecilia in Glory / Hand Study'. 1754. Red chalk on laid paper. Museum: Museo del Prado, Madrid, España.

Studio of Simon Vouet, Procris and Cephalus () Procris and Cephalus ()

Design for a title page with Apollo and the Muses. Draughtsman: anonymous. Draughtsman: Gerard de Lairesse (rejected attribution). Dating: c. 1725. Place: Northern Netherlands. Measurements: h 167 mm × w 190 mm. Museum: Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

Five musical children. Five musical children in a landscape. On the right lies a child on hands and knries, on his back is a music book from which a different child sings. Behind him a child with clarinet on the right two children whose clarinet plays and holds a music book.

Anonymous 17th-century chalk drawing of a historical scene. Several men carry a shrine with a crown, an angel appears with an empty band, and a cityscape is seen in the background. The sheet shows oxidation.

From Genius van Salvator Rosa, Salvator Rosa, c. 1662 print Salvator Rosa sits on the right on the ground with his hand resting on a horn of abundance (Cornucopia). With his other hand he gives his heart to honesty (Sinceritas), a female figure with a pigeon. Right behind the artist is freedom (Libertas). On the left in the foreground, painting (pictura) kneels with a painting and painting palette and a fish for her on the floor. Behind her are a satap and equality (Aequitas), dressed in gowns. A sarcophagus in the background. At the bottom right two lines of Latin text. Italy paper etching / drypoint Genius. Freedom, Liberty; 'Freedom' (Ripa). Equality, Equity, Faiorss, Righteousness; 'Equality', 'Equity', 'Giuditio Giusto', 'Drit and just order', 'Equality' (Ripa). 'Picture', Symbolic Repres invention, Allegories and Emblems ~ Painting; 'Painting' (Ripa). Sarcophagus. Portrait, Self-Portrait of Painter

Maarten van Heemskerck (1498-1574), Abrahams Offer, 1549

The Judgment of Paris 1583 Alessandro Allori Italian On his father's death in 1540, the young Alessandro Allori was adopted by Bronzino (1503-1572), becoming his pupil and a significant disseminator of his elegant Mannerist vocabulary. This delicately finished large composition, complete in all details, served as a modello (demonstration drawing) for one of four tapestry cartoons representing the story of Paris and the Golden Apple of Discord, that were delivered to the Florentine weaver Benedetto Squilli on March 30, 1583. The tapestries were probably intended for the Medici Villa at Poggio a Caiano, and were finished by June 4 of the same year. Allori's drawing technique and medium here closely resemble those in Bronzino's studies for tapestry cartoons on the life of Joseph (1549-1553). Here, Paris is seated at right holding a large apple in his left hand, while the striding, nearly nude Mercury at center turns to present the three goddesses at left -- Venus, Juno, and Minerva -- who

Red chalk drawing by Francesco Primaticcio depicting Mars and Venus with Amor.

The Cumaean Sibyl before Tarquin the Proud. Artist: Niccolò dell' Abate (Italian, Modena 1509-1571 Fontainebleau ()). Dimensions: Sheet: 8 5/8 x 6 1/16 in. (21.9 x 15.4 cm). Date: 16th century.This lively narrative scene is related to a lost fresco cycle for the Palazzo Torfanini in Bologna, which depicted episodes from the life of the last king of Rome, Tarquin the Proud. The scene represents the critical moment when King Tarquin decides to purchase the remaining three volumes of the prophetic books offered him by the Cumaean Sibyl. Six of these volumes are already burning in the foreground, cast onto the flames when the king refused to pay the high price demanded by the sibyl. Although Niccolò left for Fontainebleau in 1552, the decorative works that he carried out in Bologna had a lasting influence on artists of that city. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA. Author: Niccolò dell' Abate.

Sacrifice of Isaac 17th century Anonymous, Italian, Roman-Bolognese, 17th century Italian. Sacrifice of Isaac 340046

Clair-obscur woodcut by Giuseppe Nicola Vicentino (Rossigliani) from around 1539-1545 depicting Strength allegorically across three plates, showing human figures with symbolic gestures.

Saint Peter and Saint John Healing a Cripple at the Gate of the Temple 1534-47 Perino del Vaga (Pietro Buonaccorsi) Italian. Saint Peter and Saint John Healing a Cripple at the Gate of the Temple 340466

Allegorical representation with measuring instruments, c. 1650 - c. 1799 An angel with a globe and passer in hand kneels with a woman who has a square in her hand and points her finger up. There is a role in the foreground, possibly a rolled up card. Page 51 from a sketchbook with 72 pages. Italy (possibly) paper. ink. pencil pen / brush measuring-instruments. globe

Ciro Ferri drawing of the Madonna in clouds, adored by three kneeling saints including a warrior holding a martyr palm, set before antique architecture, executed in chalk on brownish paper.

Johann Georg Bergmüller draft for Cross Acceptance altarpiece at Aldersbach monastery, executed in brown and black brown feather over gray pen with gray-lavated, squared design, 1726.

Entombment. Artist: Anonymous, Italian, 16th century; After Parmigianino (Girolamo Francesco Maria Mazzola) (Italian, Parma 1503-1540 Casalmaggiore). Dimensions: plate: 10 13/16 x 8 3/16 in. (27.5 x 20.8 cm)sheet: 11 x 8 1/4 in. (27.9 x 21 cm). Date: 16th century. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

Saint Paul and Three Other Standing Figures. Attributed to Count Antonio Maria Zanetti the Elder (Italian, 1679-1767); after Francesco Mazzola, called Il Parmigianino (Italian, 1503-1540). Date: 1779-1799. Dimensions: 112 x 89 mm (max.). Pen and brown ink with brush and brown wash, heightened with white gouache, over traces of graphite, on cream laid paper, laid down on blue laid paper. Origin: Italy. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA.

Alonso Cano / 'The Sacrifice of Isaac'. 1650 - 1652. Wash, Pencil, Pencil ground, Grey-brown ink on yellow laid paper. Museum: Museo del Prado, Madrid, España.

Allegory of Fortune. Artist: attributed to Pietro Testa (Italian, Lucca 1612-1650 Rome). Dimensions: 12 x 8 3/8in. (30.5 x 21.3cm). Date: 1612-50. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

Pier Francesco Cittadini (Attributed to) / 'Rest on the flight into Egypt'. XVII century. Grey-brown wash, Pencil on dark yellow paper. Museum: Museo del Prado, Madrid, España.

A red chalk and feather drawing by Filippo Brizio depicting Perseus rescuing Andromeda from Ovid's Metamorphoses, showing figures, posture, and mythological action.

Louis Félix de La Rue drawing showing Achilles killing twelve Trojans as a sacrifice, executed in pen with bister wash, laved technique, white highlights on blue paper.

Design for a Book Illustration. Artist: attributed to Charles Nicolas Cochin II (French, Paris 1715-1790 Paris). Dimensions: 6 1/4 x 4 1/8 in. (15.9 x 10.5 cm.). Date: 18th century. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

Joseph Marie Vien depicts Venus with graces on a shell pulled by fish using brown feder and brush, laved and heighted with white and reddish traces.

Three putti with a dog, Anthony Van Dyck, 1610 - 1641 drawing paper. ink pen angel(s) represented as child(ren). cupids: 'amores', 'amoretti', 'putti'. child playing with animals. dog

Tribute to Ceres, Cornelis Schut (I), 1607 - 1655, draughtsman: Cornelis Schut (I), 1607 - 1655, paper, pen, brush, h 207 mm × w 313 mm

Giovanni Pietro Possenti, Hercules and Antaeus Hercules and Antaeus

Dawn. Charles Le Brun (French, 1619 - 1690)

Design drawing Allegorical Group, Emile Boilvin, 1855 - 1899 drawing paper. chalk

Christ and the SamaritanWoman. Etcher: Francesco Brizio, Italian, ca. 1575-1623 Artist, formerly attributed to: Guido Reni, Italian, Bologna, 1575-1642 After: Annibale Carracci, Italian, 1560-1609

John the Baptist pointing at the lamb. John the Baptist, sitting in a landscape and pointing at the lamb.

The rich podagralijder, laughed at by a young woman. The rich podagralijder, laughed at by a young woman who turns him away from him to an elegantly dressed young man.

Time Seated on Clouds, Flanked by Two Other Angels. Giulio Pippi, called Giulio Romano, after; Italian, c. 1499-1546. Date: 1519-1546. Dimensions: 172 x 256 mm. Black chalk with brush and black chalk wash and stumping, on cream laid paper, laid down on cream laid paper. Origin: Italy. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA.

Design for a Book Illustration 18th century attributed to Charles Nicolas Cochin II French. Design for a Book Illustration 335245

A chalk drawing by Francesco de Mura depicting Godfather and Mary in a medallion surrounded by saints, showing religious figures, facial expressions, and ornamental details, with staining effects.

Holy Family with John the Baptist; Cabinet du Roy. Numbered at the top right: 120.

Italy, Reni, Guido, Holy Family with the young John the Baptist and Elizabeth, verso - stamped, The young John the Baptist kisses the feet of the Christ Child. Mary holds the Child. Elizabeth sits on the left, Joseph on the right. Two putti float above., print, prent, prints, prenten, height 250 mm, width 193 mm, print maker, prentmaker, 1585 - 1642, paper, papier, etching, etchings, Italian, 1575-11-04 - 1642-08-18

Archers Shooting at a Herm, Triumph of Bacchus, and Other Studies Artist's working dates 1495-1564 Italy. Pen and brown ink, and brush and gray and brown wash, on tan laid paper, laid down on cream laid card . Michelangelo Buonarroti

Pygmalion and Galatea François Boucher French. Pygmalion and Galatea 336368

Madonna with child and two putti, Arent van Bolten, 1583 - 1625, draughtsman: Arent van Bolten, 1583 - 1625, paper, pen, brush, h 148 mm × w 193 mm

Long Live the Chains! ("Vivan las caenas cadenas") 1807-45 Leonardo Alenza y Nieto Spanish. Long Live the Chains! ("Vivan las caenas cadenas") 335163

Design for Susanna and the Elders, Pen and brown ink, brush and gray wash, red and black chalk on cream laid paper, lined, At right, two men are climbing into a large round tub, presumably to spy on Susanna bathing., Italy, 1660-1710, figures, Drawing, Drawing

A brown ink drawing by Albrecht Dürer titled 'Death Mariae', sheet 18 from 'Marienleben', created around 1509, focusing on figures, posture, and composition.

Rape of the Sabines. Jacob Toorenvliet; Dutch, 1635/36-1719. Date: 1665-1719. Dimensions: 237 x 307 mm. Pen and brown ink, with brush and brown wash, over traces of graphite, on cream laid paper, tipped onto card. Origin: Netherlands. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, USA.

Drawing depicting the mythological figures Saturn and Atlas, executed with metal pen and feather between 1590 and 1600.

Moses helps the daughters of Jetro, Chrispijn van den Broeck, 1534 - 1591 drawing paper. paint (coating). ink pen / brush Moses waters the sheep of Jethro's saughters

Drawing by Gerard de Lairesse depicting dancing children accompanied by a triangle player, executed in red chalk.

Raffaellino Da Reggio (Attributed to) / 'The Corpse of a Female Saint Carried up into the Heavens by Winged Angels'. Late XVI century. Wash, White lead, Pencil, Grey-brown ink on grey paper. Museum: Museo del Prado, Madrid, España.

Grieving crowd around a dead woman. Draughtsman: Jan Hoogsaat. Dating: 1664 - 1730. Measurements: h 242 mm × w 352 mm. Museum: Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

Leonardo Corona illustrated the Birth of Mary using metal pen, chalk, and feather with wash, preserving curved corners without cutting.

Abraham van Diepenbeeck black and red chalk drawing depicting Athene calming Penelope, who is doubtful about Ulysses, showing figures, gestures, and composition.

The March of Silenus recto. Dated: c. 1715/1716. Dimensions: overall: 15.6 x 21.1 cm (6 1/8 x 8 5/16 in.). Medium: red, black, and white chalks on brown laid paper. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: ANTOINE WATTEAU.

The Triumph of the Sacrament 1576 Anonymous. The Triumph of the Sacrament. Anonymous , Italian, 16th century. 1576. Etching. Matteo Cadorin (Italian, active ca. 1648). Prints

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