Ornamental Drawing, with St. John the Evangelist Seated in a Columned Niche, with Two Putti 1550 - 1600

This anonymous drawing from the late 16th century, "Ornamental Drawing, with St. John the Evangelist Seated in a Columned Niche, with Two Putti," depicts a classical-inspired design featuring St. John the Evangelist. The drawing is executed in brown ink and washes, emphasizing the ornate architecture that frames the saint. The figure of St. John, seated on a throne-like structure, is accompanied by two putti at the top and an eagle at the bottom. The drawing's composition, with its elaborate details and architectural motifs, reflects the prevailing artistic taste of the Italian Renaissance. It would have been a study for a larger work, perhaps a fresco or an altarpiece, demonstrating the intricate planning and design involved in Renaissance art.