Sketches for the birth and death of Adonis 1580 - 1583

This sheet of sketches by Paolo Veronese, dated 1580-1583, is a preparatory study for a painting of the birth and death of Adonis. The drawing depicts various figures in different poses, including a seated woman, a group of figures around a tree, and a scene of a reclining man being mourned by others. These sketches showcase Veronese's masterful command of figure drawing and his ability to create dynamic compositions. The use of pen and ink on paper, the careful delineation of form and the expressive gestures, reflect the artist's preparatory process for a major artwork. This drawing, now in the collection of the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst, provides a glimpse into the creative process of a prominent artist of the Venetian Renaissance.