Bearded Old Man Seated with Left Arm Extented 1522 - 1591

This charcoal drawing by Bernardino Campi, entitled "Bearded Old Man Seated with Left Arm Extended", depicts a seated, elderly man gesturing with his left arm. The drawing, part of a larger study of the human form, highlights the artist's interest in anatomy and proportion. This preliminary study for a larger work is notable for its use of a grid system, a technique that was gaining popularity in the 16th century, allowing for accurate proportions and anatomical precision. The drawing's subject matter and style are characteristic of the Italian Renaissance, a period known for its emphasis on humanism and a renewed interest in classical art and learning.