DISCOVERART

Pietro Testa

Study for 'The Dream of Saint Joseph'

1635/37
Pen and brown ink, with black chalk and traces of incising, on tan laid paper, laid down on cream wove paper
36.8 × 24.2 cm (14.5 × 9.5 in)

SEE IT IN PERSON

Not currently on view

In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

View at artic.edu ↗Plan a visit ↗

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

This study is the last in the sequence of three composition drawings for The Dream of Saint Joseph. It differs from the other two in the pose of the figure of the Virgin, which, along with the figure of the Christ child, Testa has cut out and attached. Such attention to detail characterizes Testa's rigorous preparatory process, and it contrasts sharply with the freedom with which he etched the plate.

Source ↗

Be the first to share your thoughts.

Sign in to join the discussion.

Community guidelines

More by Pietro Testa

Alexander the Great Rescued from the River CydnusAlexander the Great Rescued from the River CydnusPortrait of Pietro TestaPortrait of Pietro TestaThe suicide of the philosopher Cato, who lies on his bed pulling out his innards watched by horrified disciplesThe suicide of the philosopher Cato, who lies on his bed pulThe deluge, figures being pulled from the waterThe deluge, figures being pulled from the waterThe birth and the infancy of AchillesThe birth and the infancy of AchillesAdoration of the MagiAdoration of the MagiStudies for Thieves on the Cross (recto), Sketch of Figures (verso)Studies for Thieves on the Cross (recto), Sketch of Figures Plato's symposium: Socrates and his companions seated around a table discussing ideal love interruputed by Acibiades at leftPlato's symposium: Socrates and his companions seated around

More like this

The Adoration of the Magi (Virgin of the Grotto)Andrea Mantegna — The Adoration of the Magi (Virgin of the GMarriage of Saint CatherineDomenico dalla Rosa — Marriage of Saint CatherineFemale Saint Beholding Vision of Christ Child and Saint JosephDomenico Theotokópoulos, called El Greco — Female Saint BehoAdoration of the ShepherdsJacob Jordaens — Adoration of the ShepherdsAdoration of the ShepherdsPietro da Cortona — Adoration of the ShepherdsRest on the Flight into EgyptFlaminio Torre — Rest on the Flight into EgyptMadonna and Child with Angels Playing Lute and Viola da BraccioAnonymous, Spanish, School of Seville, 17th century — MadonnThe Rising of Nazareth (?)Anonymous, Italian, Bolognese 18th century artist — The RisiThe dream of St Joseph, who is sleeping at the right, the Virgin and Child by a cross surrounded by angels and many putti and with God the Father abovePietro Testa|Giovanni Giacomo De Rossi — The dream of St JosAdoration of the ShepherdsUbaldo Gandolfi — Adoration of the ShepherdsVision of Saint Francis of Assisi at the Portiuncula (recto); Ornamental Design (verso)Circle of Alessandro Allori — Vision of Saint Francis of AssThe Madonna and Child with a Female Martyr Saint, a Bishop Saint, and a Female DonorStefano da Verona (Stefano di Giovanni d'Arbosio di Francia)