Female Figure 1500 - 1600

"Female Figure" is an anonymous drawing from the 16th century currently held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The drawing shows a female figure standing atop a pedestal with her arms outstretched as though she is presenting something. The artist has emphasized the figure's drapery, using a series of loose, gestural lines to create a sense of movement and volume. This artwork is a prime example of the study of the human form that was common in the Renaissance, and the artist's attention to detail in depicting the figure's anatomy and clothing highlights the importance of drawing as a preparatory stage in the creative process.