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Cain Slaying Abel

Francesco Monti

Artwork Details

Cain Slaying Abel
before 1736
Francesco Monti
black chalk, heightened with white on light brown toned paper
19 5/8 in. x 14 1/8 in. ( 49.8 cm x 35.9 cm )
Gift through the Estate of Edward Sonnenschein
1970/2.46

Description

Monti's biographer Zanotti lauded him for his skill in drawing nudes. This is the sort of highly finished academic study for which the artist was well known, featuring models painstakingly posed. In the Museum's sheet the models portray Cain and Abel. The presence of the artist's signature in the lower left suggests that he was proud of this composition. Monti's nude studies are distinctive for their inclusion of detailed natural settings and costumes.

Usage Rights:

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