ATTRIBUTED TO FERDINANDO GALLI BIBIENA (Italian 1657-1743), “Elaborate Fantasy Classical Interior” c. 1700

Elaborate Fantasy Classical Interior, c. 1700

Pen, brown Ink, brush, grey ink wash on paper with ink border, laid down on card, repairs, 8 3/8 x 11 inches

Ferdinando Galli Bibiena was the son of painter Giovanni Maria Galli (1625–1665); he studied painting under Carlo Cignani and architecture under Giulio Troili, called Paradosso. On the recommendation of Cignani, Bibiena entered into the service of the duke of Parma and worked for the Farnese dynasty at Piacenza for 30 years. His main work during this period was the garden and villa of Colorno, but he soon earned a reputation for scenic designs working for the theatre.  In 1708, he was called to Barcelona to organize the decorations for the wedding of the future Holy Roman emperor, Charles VI. When this prince became Emperor, Ferdinando traveled to Vienna where he worked on designs of scenery and decorations for court festivities and opera performances.