Seated Bishop with Arms Extended and Three Attendant Figures (recto); Head of a Lion and Perspective Diagrams (verso) 1613 - 1699

This drawing of a seated bishop with attendant figures was made by Mattia Preti, likely in the mid-17th century, using red chalk on paper. The powdery, granular quality of the chalk gives the image a soft, almost dreamlike appearance, yet also allows for precise lines. Notice how Preti uses the chalk to create a sense of depth and volume, particularly in the bishop's robes. The red color itself lends a warmth and immediacy to the scene. Drawings like this were vital to the artistic process. They served as studies for larger paintings, allowing the artist to work out compositions and details. Here, Preti explores the relationships between the figures, capturing their expressions and gestures. We see the artist thinking through the problem of how to depict a moment, imbuing the sketch with immediacy. This drawing offers a glimpse into the artist's studio, revealing the skilled labor and careful planning behind a finished work of art. It reminds us that even the most masterful paintings begin with humble materials and patient exploration.