Design for an Altar
Ludovico Cardi Da Cigoli
Description
Gallery Rotation Spring 2013
Circle of Ludovico Cardi da Cigoli
Italy, 1559–1613
Design for an altar
1559–1613
Pen and bistre ink with ink and blue wash
Museum purchase, 1958/2.54
This design for an altar may have been commissioned by Cosimo II de’ Medici for the Medici Chapel in the convent of the Trinità dei Monti. The design shows a recessed space with a coffered ceiling between two large Corinthian columns. It may have been intended to be a small chapel or a niche in a church, perhaps reserved for private devotion. The Medici coat of arms, surmounted by a crown, is depicted above the entrance. Within, a small central portico is flanked by two side niches containing statues that may be angels or are perhaps the Virgin Mary and the angel Gabriel enacting the Annunciation. This structure is crowned by a crucifix surrounded by a plant—an image that alludes to Christ as the Tree of Life. While the architectural features are clearly delineated by clean, straight, and continuous lines, the figural and ornamental decorations are rendered in short, broken, and nervous strokes.
Subject Matter:
This design for an altar combines both classical and Christian emblems. An architectural setting shows two niches, each occupied by two kneeling angels. Between them, growing at the center of a broken pediment, is a plant--perhaps a reference to Christ as the Tree of Life. Above are two classical winged nike/victory figures, each also holding a branch with leaves.
Physical Description:
Two kneeling winged figures in niches on the first level of this design flank a tree growing at the top of a small doorway. These elements are contained within a larger structure with pilasters and a coifered ceiling. Above the ceiling are two winged figures holding small branches. Situated directly above the tree on the first level are a coat of arms surmounted by a crown and another, larger crown sits above the architecture.
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