Studies after Andrea Mantegna, Giulio Romano, and the Antique 1635 - 1640

Nicolas Poussin’s “Studies after Andrea Mantegna, Giulio Romano, and the Antique” is a pen-and-ink drawing comprised of four studies. The drawing, dated 1635-1640, showcases Poussin’s admiration for the works of Renaissance masters like Mantegna and Romano, as well as for ancient classical art. This study, housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, features the lower half of an elephant, a ram's head, a female bust, and a classical architectural detail. This drawing demonstrates Poussin's interest in the depiction of animal anatomy, as well as his meticulous attention to detail. The artist’s interest in classical antiquity is further revealed through the inclusion of architectural elements.