Academic Study Of A Bas-relief With Grotesques, Dragons And Birds, 1868

Academic study of a bas-relief with grotesques, dragons and birds, 1868.

Original charcoal drawing on slightly toned paper, dated May 20, 1868. Handwritten inscription reads: “Premio / Suor Alessandro / il 20 Maggio 1868 / Classe del Prof. Bobbio”.

Dimensions: 77 cm x 45 cm

Condition: visible creases, tears and edge wear (see photos)

This drawing belongs to a group of academic works produced in the class of Professor Bobbio at the Albertina Academy of Turin, and was executed during the years following the Italian unification. It is a detailed study of an ornamental plaster bas-relief, showcasing a composition of foliated scrolls, perched birds, fantastical dragons, and symmetrical grotesque motifs drawn from Renaissance and classical sources.

The artist demonstrates refined technical skill through a subtle and illusionistic use of chiaroscuro, giving volume and depth to the ornamental forms. The interplay of natural and mythical elements reflects a decorative vocabulary typical of academic training in 19th-century Italy.

Rare for such student works, the signature and the mention of an award enhance its documentary and historical value. The reference to a specific professor and date places this drawing within a precise pedagogical context, offering insight into the rigorous artistic education at the time, when drawing from sculpture was central to academic practice.