Next spring, art enthusiasts will have the rare opportunity to witness the magnificent Carracci cartoons up close at the National Gallery.
Displayed in Room 1, these extraordinary works, created around 1599, are not just impressive in size—nearly four metres wide and two metres tall—but also in their delicate execution using charcoal and white chalk. Given their fragility and grandeur, these masterpieces are seldom exhibited, making this a truly special occasion.
The Carracci cartoons entered the National Gallery’s collection in 1837, thanks to a generous gift from Lord Francis Egerton. Before that, they belonged to the esteemed artist Sir Thomas Lawrence. Originally, these grand drawings were crafted as preparatory works for the painted ceiling in the gallery of Palazzo Farnese, one of Rome’s Renaissance treasures, now housing the French Embassy. The commission was initiated by Odoardo Farnese, a cardinal and the younger son of the Duke of Parma. In 1594, he enlisted the talented Carracci brothers from Bologna to adorn his family palace with artistic splendour.
Upon their arrival in Rome, Annibale and Agostino Carracci drew from the grandeur of antique sculptures and the masterpieces of Michelangelo and Raphael to conjure an idealised vision of the classical world, celebrating the loves of the gods. The resulting ‘Galleria Farnese’ became a beacon of inspiration for generations of artists. The two cartoons on display are largely the work of Agostino, though Annibale is believed to have contributed to their creation. They depict scenes from Ovid’s Metamorphoses—stories of transformation that were integral to the frescoed ceiling in the Farnese Gallery. As cartoons, these drawings were instrumental in transferring the design onto wet plaster for the frescoes.
The survival of these cartoons is remarkable, underscoring the significance attributed to them shortly after their completion. This exhibition not only showcases the monumental techniques involved in creating frescoes but also offers a window into the Carracci brothers’ artistic process of design and refinement. Through this presentation, visitors will gain a unique insight into the creative minds that helped shape the trajectory of Renaissance art.
For those captivated by the grandeur of Renaissance masterpieces, the upcoming display of the Carracci cartoons is an unmissable event, bridging the past with the present and providing a glimpse into the profound artistry of the Carracci brothers. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or a curious newcomer, this exhibition promises to enrich your appreciation of historical art and its enduring legacy.