Draped Standing Figure with Outstretched Arms 1540 - 1550

This pen and brown ink drawing of a draped standing figure with outstretched arms is at the Art Institute of Chicago. The figure dominates the composition, its contours defined by delicate lines and its dramatic pose evoking dynamism. The artist uses hatching and cross-hatching to suggest depth, volume and materiality, as seen in the folds of the drapery. The figure's outstretched arms create a visual tension, pulling the viewer's eye upward. The linear style contributes to the emotional impact of the drawing. This work invites us to consider the interplay between form and meaning. The figure is not just a representation but a semiotic carrier of cultural values and narrative possibilities. By analyzing the formal structure of the drawing, we uncover layers of cultural and philosophical meaning. The piece reflects broader artistic and philosophical concerns related to space, representation and perception, as seen in the dramatic visual elements.