Design for an altar. The sepulcher has the shape of the front of a late classical sarcophagus, the center part of which consists mostly of an opening which is closed by a grating formed by half-circles. Laterally are reliefs. At left, the condemnation of the Virgin by the praetor; at right her abduction. In the base in an inscription of which only part of the words are intelligible. They are in the second line: "VIRGINI ET MARTIRI...ANNO ETATIS SVAE IXX...Behind are three large steps, the uppermost serves as a base for the tabernacle, and two kneeling angels beside it who support burning candelabra, through standing. The tabernacle has the shape of a temple front, with Christ rising in a glory, from the door. Two candelabra with burning flames standing laterally in front of the altar.

Scale: at bottom, in pen and black ink

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Object Timeline

1938	We acquired this object.
1991	We exhibited this object.
2004	We photographed this object.
2015	We photographed this object.
2019	You found it!

Object ID #18542909

This is a Drawing. It is dated early 19th century and we acquired it in 1938. Its medium is pen and black ink, brush and watercolor, over black chalk; ruled border in pen and black ink, pink wash on thick paper, joined at center. It is a part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design department.

It is credited Museum purchase through gift of various donors and from Eleanor G. Hewitt Fund.

Its dimensions are

44.3 x 65.3 cm (17 7/16 x 25 11/16 in.) Mat: 55.9 x 71.1 cm (22 x 28 in.)

It is inscribed

Inscribed on the altar: VIRGINI ET MARTIRI...ANNO AETATIS SUAE...; indication of scale in pen and black ink along the lower margin

Cite this object as

Object ID #18542909; Previously owned by Giovanni Piancastelli (Italian, 1845–1926); Italy; pen and black ink, brush and watercolor, over black chalk; ruled border in pen and black ink, pink wash on thick paper, joined at center; 44.3 x 65.3 cm (17 7/16 x 25 11/16 in.) Mat: 55.9 x 71.1 cm (22 x 28 in.); Museum purchase through gift of various donors and from Eleanor G. Hewitt Fund; 1938-88-4183

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition The Cooper-Hewitt Collections: A Design Resource.

Short URL http://cprhw.tt/o/2D3ak/
Accession Number 1938-88-4183
Object ID 18542909