Sergel, Abildgaard and unknown drunk in Rome
Executed in the 1770's. Ink drawing 21 x 28 cm. Arch shaped leaf.
Formerly in the coll of Einar Perman, Stockholm.
Oscar Antonsson, "Sergels ungdom och Romtid", SAK, 1942, depicted on the first side of the chapter p 223.
Bo Lindwall, "Från rokoko till impressionism", 1975, depicted on p 117.
Johan Tobias Sergel spent several years in Rome to study the masters. There he was acquainted with the artists Abildgaard and Füssli and they formed a triumvirate – alluding to the Roman word political regime dominated by three powerful individuals. Sergel departed from Rome in 1778, whilst Abildgaard had left in 1776. The friends reunited in Copenhagen in 1794 and 1696/7. In Sergel’s drawing Abildgaard is recognized by his tall and lanky appearance.