An Old Man on His Deathbed Tempted by Demons (recto); Back View of a Male Nude (verso) 1675 - 1749

This drawing, made by Aureliano Milani in the 1700s, presents a dying man besieged by demons, rendered in delicate graphite on paper. The material qualities of graphite lend themselves to both fine detail and atmospheric effects. Milani masterfully exploits this, creating a scene of both clarity and ambiguity. Look closely, and you'll notice that the figures emerge from a background of lightly applied graphite, creating a sense of depth and drama. The stark contrast between the light and dark areas emphasizes the tension between good and evil, the angel and demons, battling for the man's soul. Drawings like this were often preparatory studies for larger paintings or frescoes. In the context of 18th-century Italy, where the Catholic Church wielded immense power, images of morality and spiritual struggle were common. The labor-intensive process of drawing allowed artists to refine their compositions and explore the nuances of human emotion, and theological concepts. By understanding the materials and techniques employed by Milani, we can better appreciate the cultural and social significance embedded within this seemingly simple drawing.