Gaspare Diziani

Italian, 1689–1767

Adoration of the Magi, c. 1710

sepia wash, ink on paper

28.3 x 19.1 cm

Collection of the Winnipeg Art Gallery; Acquired with the National Trust Fund No. 1

G-74-39

Categories:

Drawing, Works on Paper

This drawing of the Adoration of the Magi may be related to a cycle of wall paintings that Gaspare Diziani executed for the sacristy in the Church of St. Stefano in Venice. A pupil of Lazzarini in Venice, the young Gaspare Diziani was greatly influenced by the work of Giovanni Antonio Pellegrini, just before the latter departed for England. Noted for his technical aptitude and ability to work quickly on large projects, Diziani was also linked to the studio of Sebastiano Ricci, who also left Venice for England. This sensitively rendered drawing reveals wonderful contrasts of light and shadow subdued by darker passages of dark washes, confirming Diziani’s place as one of the last advocates of Baroque Tenebrism in Venice. Delicate and graceful, his expressive strokes in ink and sepia colour wash create a mood of intimacy and quiet adoration of the Christ Child by the three Magi.