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Preview image of work. red chalk on paper,  Publius Mutius Condemning His Colleagues to be Burnt (a); Male Figure Study (b) 85
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1811.85.a.&.b

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Publius Mutius Condemning His Colleagues to be Burnt (a); Male Figure Study (b)

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Artist

Domenico Beccafumi (Valdibiena near Siena, Italy, 1486 - 1551, Siena, Italy)

Title

Publius Mutius Condemning His Colleagues to be Burnt (a); Male Figure Study (b)

Creation Date

ca. 1529-1535

Century

16th century

Dimensions

7 7/16 in. x 11 1/4 in. (18.9 cm. x 28.5 cm.)

Object Type

drawing

Creation Place

Europe, Italy

Medium and Support

red chalk on paper

Credit Line

Bequest of the Honorable James Bowdoin III

Copyright

Public Domain

Accession Number

1811.85.a.&.b

The Sienese artist Beccafumi learned Mannerist devices from studying the works of Michelangelo in Rome. A master of red-chalk drawing, Beccafumi created his own distinctive style. In this drawing for a fresco cycle in Siena’s governmental hall, the Palazzo Pubblico, Beccafumi captures the moment when the Roman Tribune Publius Mutius condemns his treasonous colleagues to death. Publius Mutius, at center, twists his body sharply, telegraphing his determination to execute strict justice. Even though his body tapers down to tiny pointed feet, a typical Mannerist artifice, Publius Mutius’ fierce enforcement of law comes through in the stark torsion of his body and in Beccafumi’s vigorous red chalk strokes. Lightly outlined and barely visible at lower left, a spritely dog brings a stick to add to the fire that burns the traitors in a combination of whimsy and horror that colors this scene of grim justice. A preparatory sketch for a ceiling fresco in the Sala del Concistoro of the Palazzo Pubblico, Siena, Beccafumi’s drawing depicts the Roman politician Publius Mucius as he prepares to burn his fellow tribunes for alleged crimes against the state. This drawing develops the main composition and light effects of the 1535 painting without resolving specific details. Beccafumi brilliantly uses the soft red chalk to imitate the visual effects of smoke and fire. As a mural in the town hall, his illustration of the classical narrative served as an ominous reminder to the leaders of the Sienese republic to uphold their civic duties.

Additional Media

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Keywords: figures (representations)   work on paper   master drawing   Roman   justice   related to law   government   sketch   Mannerism   Palazzo Publico   dog   toga   shadow   image of Rome   execution   fire   architecture in art   figurative