Drapery Study (recto) c. 16th century

This 16th-century red chalk drawing by Girolamo Siciolante da Sermoneta is a study of drapery. The artist is known for his masterful depictions of fabric, and this drawing demonstrates his ability to capture the fall and texture of cloth. The subject is a seated figure, likely a saint, and the artist has focused on the way the drapery folds and falls around the body. This study of drapery would have been used by Siciolante as a preparatory sketch for a larger painting, and it is a testament to his skill as a draftsman. It's a fantastic example of Italian Renaissance art, a drawing, red chalk, and a study of drapery.