Composition Study with Seated Figures
Artist
Italian (Italian)
Date
18th centuryMedium
Black chalk, pen and washDimensions
- : 6 1/2 x 7 9/16 in. (16.35 x 19.21 cm)Credit Line
Gift of Kelvyn LilleyObject Number
1989.2.10
Label
This drawing is a preliminary study for part of a larger painting or print, most likely depicting a religious subject. Many artists historically made such studies as part of their creative process, to test different design options and clarify details such as facial expressions, body poses and clothing treatments. Although drawings like this were not meant to be finished works of art, they have long been prized by collectors for the insight they offer into how artists think and work.
