Mosaic projects for Saint Peter's in Rome - Niccolò RICCIOLINI (1687-1772)

Niccolò RICCIOLINI (Rome, 1687-1772)
The seraph purifies the prophet Isaiah's lips with fire
Elijah brings down fire on Ahaziah's men
Circa 1730
Pen, brown ink and grey wash
Each drawing: 11 x 8 1/2 in. (27.9 x 21.5 cm)
Gilt frame: 17 1/4 x 25 7/8 in. (43.8 x 65.7 cm)

The drawings are annotated in pen under each scene:
- "Iasi: 6.6. - Il Serafino che col fuoco celeste purga le labbra del Profeta Isaia."
- "2. Reg: Cap. 18. - Elia che fà scendere il fuoco dal cielo sopra la Vittima alla presenza del popolo"

We would like to thank Professor Vittorio Casale, a specialist in the Roman Baroque who has published several works on Ricciolini, for his help in compiling the full description of this artworks (available on our website).

Our two drawings have been identified by Professor Vittorio Casale as modelli for mosaics intended for a chapel in St. Peter’s Basilica, though they were ultimately never executed. They closely relate to another sheet by the artist of the same size, which was preparatory for the mosaic of a lunette in the Vatican basilica.

Beyond their undeniable historical significance, these two works stand as striking examples of Niccolò Ricciolini's remarkable talent as a draughtsman, staying true to the exuberant spirit of late Roman Baroque.

Full description available on request