Asclepius (recto); Study of a Male Youth Bearing Some Leaves (verso) Gm-34426801

Anton Raphael Mengs (German, 1728–1779) Anton Raphael Mengs made drawings on both sides of this sheet in preparation for one of his best known works, The Apotheosis of Hercules in the Palacio Real in Madrid. One figure each corresponds to a character on opposite sides of the fresco, a heavily populated scene that honors Hercules, who was regarded as the mythical founder of the Spanish monarchy.

On the recto of this sheet, the imposing figure of Asclepius--god of medicine and healing--stands in an exaggerated contraposto pose, one hand loosely resting against a staff. The voluminous fabric of his tunic ripples out from his waist and flows around his body to dramatic sculptural effect.

The figure on the verso side of the sheet depicts a classical figure holding leaves. White chalk highlights his backside. Both bodies are seen from below and demonstrate close attention to anatomy and the artist's mastery of foreshortening. Both drawings are also squared for transfer, indicating that Mengs intended to enlarge these versions for his fresco.

High Quality Wood Framed Print using museum quality paper and archival inks with a white border or with cut mat for a contemporary look. Comes with Acrylite glazing and hanging hardware. These are Made in USA or Europe depending upon your location.

Stretched Canvas is stretched over 1.25" thick pine bars and printed on heavy cotton poly matte finish canvas. Comes with mounting brackets. These are Made in USA or Europe depending upon your location.

Giclee Prints are printed on 260gsm satin finish using the finest archival inks. Each print carries a white border around the perimeter. The listed size refers to the overall paper dimensions. The image is printed proportionally within this paper size and includes a small white border. These are Made in USA or Europe depending upon your location.

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Artwork in this collection is from The J. Paul Getty Museum. Reproduction rights are reserved by the copyright owner and used under license by Archivea.