The Donation of Constantine

Giulio Romano (1499-1546), pen and brown ink, with brown wash, heightened with white, over a sketch in charcoal, c. 1520-1524

Giulio Romano was praised for his original and inventive drawn designs for frescoes (wall paintings), which were subsequently executed by assistants. This is such a modello, a highly detailed design for a fresco in the Vatican made between 1520-1524. It depicts Emperor Constantine transferring the secular authority over Rome to Pope Sylvester I.

  • Artwork typedrawing, design
  • Object numberRP-T-1948-368
  • Dimensionsheight 395 mm x width 549 mm
  • Physical characteristicspen in bruin, penseel in bruin en wit, ondertekening in houtskool