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Circle of Cavaliere d’ Arpino. Rome (1568 – 1640).
Red Chalk study of ‘Vigilance’.
Carved frame of the 18th Century.
This fine sheet depicts the subject ‘Vigilance’ with her two attributes – the lamp and the Crane.
Vigilance was one of the virtues required of monarchs and others in public life, hence usually represented in secular allegory. The most popular attribute accompanying Vigilance is a Crane, the long- legged wading bird. As depicted in our drawing, it stands on one foot, the other raised holding a stone in its claw. According to a legend by Aristotle and repeated in medieval bestiaries, when the bird fell asleep the stone dropped and would therefore re-awaken it – so that it was ever watchful.
The holding of the lamp in the right hand depicts the other attribute, the meaning of which is clear – the ever - burning lamp brings light instead of darkness making vigilance possible.
The red chalk sheet is a study for a larger work, perhaps a complex cycle for a mural. The alterations or ‘pentimento’ –change of mind from the Latin ‘paenitere’ meaning repentance, can be seen to the left of the head. Such an inclusion helps us ascertain that this is ‘a working sheet’, in other words the artist is still working out ideas – we are witness to his thoughts.
