2117

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 2228a

Art Historical Context

"2117" is a captivating work on paper by the lesser-known 19th-century artist Forté Férogio, sometime between 1844 and1854. Measuring 314 mm in height by 492 mm in width this piece exemplifies the intimate scale typical of drawings and sketches from the Romantic era, a time when artists across Europe explored personal expression amid rapid social and industrial changes. Férogio, likely active in French or Italian circles given his name, contributed to the rich tradition of works on paper that served as studies, preparatory designs, or standalone compositions. The medium of paper underscores its technical and historical significance—versatile and accessible, it allowed for delicate techniques like pencil, ink, or wash, fostering spontaneity and detail. Bearing the collector's mark Lugt 2228a, "2117" boasts a distinguished provenance, linking it to a notable European collector and highlighting its enduring appeal to connoisseurs. This mark, cataloged in Frits Lugt's seminal *Les Marques de Collections de Dessins & d'Estampes*, evokes the 19th-century passion for amassing such ephemeral treasures. In a virtual museum setting, "2117" invites us to ponder the quiet artistry of mid-century draftsmen, whose works often bridged public spectacle and private innovation, preserving fleeting moments for posterity.