This is a resource for Stamps School of Art students, especially for Drawing II.

36 Items in this Learning Collection
Collection Object
Collection Object
Collection Object
Collection Object
Collection Object
Collection Object
Collection Object
Collection Object
Collection Object
Collection Object
Collection Object
Collection Object
Collection Object

Copyright
All Rights Reserved ()

Stage Set: Courtyards with Staircases

Accession Number
1957/2.2

Title
Stage Set: Courtyards with Staircases

Artist(s)
Giuseppe Galli Bibiena

Object Creation Date
1696-1757

Medium & Support
ink and wash

Dimensions
6 7/8 in. x 9 1/8 in. ( 17.5 cm x 23.2 cm )

Credit Line
Museum Purchase

Label copy
Gallery Rotation Spring 2013
Attributed to Giuseppe Galli Bibiena
Italy, 1696–1757
Stage set: Courtyards with Staircases
1696–1757
Ink and wash
Museum purchase, 1957/2.2
An intricate stage set design is represented in this drawing attributed to Giuseppe Bibiena. The fictive, grand scale architecture is presented in a symmetrical composition with multiple perspectives running at angles to the picture plane. The space appears to be divided into four courtyards that meet at the center of the stage, each articulated by groups of Corinthian columns supporting rounded arches with elaborate bases and upper railings. Whereas the adjacent Barberi drawings present the façades of churches with little information about the spaces that lie beyond, Bibiena’s drawing articulates a three dimensional space delineated by the rationally ordered arrangement of architectural forms. Though fictive in nature, the precise rendering of Bibiena’s stage set design gives the impression that it is a very real structure.

Subject matter
Bibiena created a number of stage designs and this drawing of a couryard framed by arcades, elevated walkways, and stairs would provide a spectacular--if not believable--backdrop for a drama.

Physical Description
An intricate series of arches, stairs, and balustrades are presented obliquely. The deepest recession into space is at the center of the design. Seen from a low vantage point, the soaring columns and arcades create the illusion of deep space.

Primary Object Classification
Drawing

Primary Object Type
architectural drawing

Collection Area
Western

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.

Keywords
Architecture
columns
courtyards
stair

5 Related Resources

Christian Churches
(Part of 2 Learning Collections)
Religious Buildings
(Part of 2 Learning Collections)
Early Modern Stage Sets
(Part of 6 Learning Collections)
Modern set design
(Part of: Design)

& Author Notes

Web Use Permitted