Project For San Michele In Bosco, Bologna, Domenico Santi, Known As Il Mengazzino (attr.)

Project for San Michele in Bosco, Bologna, Domenico Santi, known as Il Mengazzino (attr.)

Attributed to Domenico Santi, known as Il Mengazzino (Bologna, 1621–1694), this architectural drawing is executed in pen, brown ink and gray wash on laid paper. It depicts the design for an elaborate Baroque architectural structure, composed of columns, volutes, brackets, a central cartouche, fruit swags and a cherub’s head, reflecting the decorative vocabulary of the Bolognese Baroque in the second half of the seventeenth century.

The quality of the draftsmanship, the precision of the architectural construction and the subtle handling of the gray wash are fully consistent with the work of the leading Bolognese quadraturisti. An old pencil inscription reading “S. Michele in Bosco” suggests a connection with the celebrated monastic complex in Bologna, where Domenico Santi is known to have worked during his career.

The drawing is executed on laid paper with a watermark visible when held to the light. The sheet was mounted at an early date onto a supporting card and was later placed in a mat. The pencil inscriptions are later additions and are not contemporary with the drawing.

Drawing dimensions: 30.4 × 16.5 cm.
Supporting card dimensions: 34.5 × 20.7 cm.
Overall dimensions with mat: 50 × 35 cm.

Condition: Overall in good condition, with minor signs of age and handling consistent with its period.