Madonna and Child with the Infant Saint John the Baptist; upper left, Study for the Right Arm of the Infant Saint John; upper right, Study for Drapery (recto); Study of a Nude Male Figure (verso) 1501 - 1512

This drawing of the Madonna and Child with the Infant Saint John the Baptist was made by Raphael using red chalk on paper. Chalk is a relatively direct medium, allowing for a rapid translation of the artist's ideas onto the page. The inherent qualities of red chalk – its warm tone and ability to create both delicate lines and rich shadows – greatly influence the drawing’s appearance. Raphael masterfully uses the chalk to define the soft, rounded forms of the figures, creating a sense of volume and depth, focusing on the expressions of the faces. The materiality of the drawing provides insights into Raphael's artistic process. The use of chalk suggests a degree of spontaneity and immediacy, which contrasts with the more laborious and time-consuming process of painting in oil or fresco. This immediacy reflects the value of drawing as a means of exploration and invention. The artist could achieve the aesthetics of a drawing, while maintaining the qualities and process behind more traditional art pieces. The emphasis on material and context challenges the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.