Study for the Head of a Poet 1511

Study for the Head of a Poet is a drawing by Raphael, measuring 12 by 10 centimeters, and it is currently housed in the Museo Horne in Florence. As we gaze upon this Renaissance study, it’s impossible to ignore the social framework that shaped both Raphael and his subjects. The figure, adorned with a laurel wreath, evokes classical ideals of male genius and accomplishment. However, it is important to remember that these images were often commissioned by wealthy patrons, reinforcing existing power structures. The idealized form and serene expression speak to the Renaissance's tendency to construct very particular narratives around male identity and creativity, which excluded women and marginalized communities. This drawing provides a glimpse into the selective process of constructing cultural memory, reminding us to question the stories we tell ourselves about greatness and who gets to be remembered.