Carro di Cerere (Chariot of Ceres)

Art Historical Context

Behold the *Carro di CerereChariot of Ceres, a delicate drawing by the Maltese Baroque master Pietro de Angelis, between 1726 and1750. This intimate work on laid paper—measuring just 18 x 24.7 cm—captures the mythological chariot of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture harvest, in a burst of dynamic energy. De Angelis, known for his vivid history paintings and frescoes adorning Maltese churches, here channels the grandeur of Baroque drama into a sketch, likely intended for a larger canvas or decorative scheme. Crafted with pen and black ink for precise outlines, enriched by gray wash for subtle tonal modeling and watercolor for vibrant accents, the piece exemplifies 18th-century draftsmanship. Laid paper, with its characteristic chain lines, was a favored support for such mixed-media studies, allowing artists to blend line, shadow, and color with fluidity. This technique not only reveals de Angelis's masterful control but also bridges the opulent Baroque style—full of movement and theatricality—with emerging Rococo lightness. Housed in the National Gallery of Art through an anonymous gift, this drawing offers a rare glimpse into the creative process of a key figure in Mediterranean art. For visitors, it evokes the ancient myths reborn in 18th-century Italy and Malta, reminding us how gods and chariots inspired the human hand.