The Carracci Cartoons: Myths in the Making

Charming exhibition at the national Gallery highlighting two cartoons for frescos by the Carracci Brothers.

These two preparatory cartoons by Anibale and Agostino Carracci were used in the decoration of the Palazzo Farnese is Rome and had been owned by Joshua Reynolds before being acquired for the National Gallery.

The show displayed them at eye level although the frescos were for a ceiling and accompanied them with good explanations of the art of fresco explaining how they were cut into sections for use but have been stuck back together.

They were delicate drawings and I particularly liked a dog in one which seemed quizzical about what was happening to his pack leader.

Closes 6 July 2025


 

 

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