Nude Youth (Ignudo from the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel)

Cherubino Alberti produced a series of four engravings depicting the so-called Ignudi - figures of nude youths, inspired by those shown on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. From a formal viewpoint, the figures draw inspiration from ancient sculpture, much admired by Michelangelo, especially the Laocoön Group and the Belvedere Torso. In the ceiling composition, these figures, holding festoons and bands with medallions, act as a visual element that links the space between the individual minor scenes from Genesis. The engraver portrayed the figures that fringe the Separation of the Waters panel. The cycle was highly popular and was printed by a number of consecutive publishers. The print on view was published around 1602 by Philippe Thomassin in Rome.