Three Male Nudes

black chalk or charcoal with brush and black chalk or charcoal wash, heightened with white gouache; incisedDomenico Beccafumi (Italian, 1486–1551)/c. 1540–47

Description

Domenico Beccafumi was intensely aware of the work of his contemporary Michelangelo when he developed his own style for projects in Siena, south of Florence. This drawing is a study for a chiaroscuro print, a type of woodblock print using several blocks, some colored, to create light and shadow. The drawing features three male nudes whose roles are unknown. The closest figure, reclining with his back toward the viewer, recalls ancient sculptures of river gods as well as works by Michelangelo, including the reclining figures he sculpted for the Medici tombs in Florence.

Provenance

The Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery; [his sale, Sotheby's, London, 10 July 1917, lot 511 (lot included Madonna Ascending to Heaven by Simone Cantarini; sold to Moore according to Cleveland 1979)]; Archibald George Blomefield Russel (Lugt 2770a, lower center, in black ink); [his sale, Sotheby's, London, 9 June 1955, lot 1 (repr.)]; A. Scharf, London (according to Cleveland 1979).

Dimensions

23.2 × 41.7 cm

Source

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Movement / Period

Drawings

Accession No

1958.313

Official Citations

[The Cleveland Museum of Art Official Record][Full Resolution Image]

Curatorial Affinity Stream

Continuing the Universe of Domenico Beccafumi (Italian, 1486–1551)

Drawings • Italy, 16th century • Harmonious Works & Contemporaries

Continuous Discovery