Study for "The Apotheosis of Ferdinand IV and Maria Carolina, King and Queen of Naples" (for the Palazzo dei Regi Studi, Naples)c. 1781 · Study 1968.208

Context from the museum

This large oil painting was thought to be an early, rough sketch for the ceiling of the Salone de Biblioteca Antica in the Palazzo degli Studi in Naples. The attribution to Bardellino was based on the sketch's similarity to another sketch by the artist, sold in New York in 1972, which is more closely related to the ceiling painting. It is assumed that the Cleveland work preceded the more finished oil sketch and that both models were created in preparation for the Palazzo degli Studi's Apotheosis, completed in 1781. The Cleveland sketch was almost completely altered in the final composition. The cartouche, or grouping of regal paraphernalia, which is the main feature of the Cleveland sketch, was omitted in the final ceiling painting. This medallion conveys the idea that the reign of the royal couple is filled with fortune. Bardellino used atmospheric colors and his delicate touch in this heavenly vision of angels and virtues, and the angels hold a chain bearing the orders of the royal family. From left to right are the Order of San Januarius, the Order of the Holy Spirit of France, the Order of the Golden Fleece (represented by the lamb), and the Order of St. George of Constantine. The large oval shape, empty in the Cleveland sketch, also appears in the final version, where the oval is smaller and frames a portrait of Ferdinand and Maria. Rather than representing an apotheosis of the bodies of the royal couple, Bardellino shows their ascent in the raising of their portraits to heaven. While the Palazzo degli Studi painting differs greatly from the Cleveland version, the oval space in the Cleveland sketch suggests Bardellino's plans for the inclusion of the royal portrait in the final ceiling painting.

Museum description reproduced from its CC0 open-access record. Read the original catalog entry.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected unframed measurement for Study for "The Apotheosis of Ferdinand IV and Maria Carolina, King and Queen of Naples" (for the Palazzo dei Regi Studi, Naples) is 122.5 cm wide and 172.4 cm high, equivalent to approximately 48.2 × 67.9 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 0.71:1. The rectangular bounding area is 2.11 square meters; it describes the measured footprint, not the amount of paint or the monetary value.

On an illustrative 300 cm wall, the recorded width occupies 40.8% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 88.8 cm on each side before adding a frame. These are calculations by Physical Art For Crypto using museum measurements. They are not the museum’s display recommendations.

Questions to bring to your own collection

With Study for "The Apotheosis of Ferdinand IV and Maria Carolina, King and Queen of Naples" (for the Palazzo dei Regi Studi, Naples) in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, oil on canvas, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this vertical composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 122.5 cm width still suit the space after allowing for furniture and a frame?
• What surface detail would you need to see in person or in a close photograph?