Bishop Saint in Supplication c. 1610s

"Bishop Saint in Supplication" is a charcoal drawing by Pietro Bernardi, dating back to the 1610s. The artwork depicts a bishop, possibly a saint, in a prayerful posture, head tilted upward in supplication, with the lower body obscured by the folds of his robes. The loose, gestural lines and subtle shading of the drawing capture a sense of dynamism and spirituality, showcasing Bernardi's masterful use of charcoal to create a sense of volume and depth. This drawing, likely a preparatory study, reflects Bernardi’s artistic practice of exploring figure and drapery through sketches, as he refined his artistic style in early 17th century Italy.