Two Studies of Carthusians (recto); Three Sketches of Heads of Carthusians (verso) 1591 - 1592

Bernardino Poccetti's "Two Studies of Carthusians," an Italian Renaissance drawing at the Art Institute of Chicago, presents a study in form through its textured lines and tonal contrasts. The figures emerge from a backdrop of hatched strokes, defined by the light that contours their draped forms. The composition is arranged with two Carthusian monks, one reading, the other in contemplation. The soft graphite lines and layered shading create a semiotic relationship between light and shadow. Poccetti uses line to define not just shape, but also the emotional weight of the figures, reflecting the Carthusian order's emphasis on solitary devotion. In its historical context, this drawing reflects a broader artistic interest in the human figure and emotion. The work invites ongoing interpretation, as it challenges us to think about the relationships between art, spirituality, and the very act of seeing.