Saint Louis of Toulouse Holding a Staff c. early 1460s

This pen drawing by Giovanni Bellini, a prominent Venetian artist of the late 15th and early 16th centuries, depicts Saint Louis of Toulouse holding a staff. Dating to the early 1460s, the drawing demonstrates the artist's early mastery of line and form, creating a sense of realism in the depiction of the saint's figure and drapery. Bellini's skill in conveying the subtle details of the Saint's attire, particularly the intricate folds of the robe, further enhances the drawing's artistic merit. The small scale of the artwork, measuring just 9.8 x 4.4 cm, suggests that it may have been a study or preparatory drawing for a larger work. The drawing offers a glimpse into the creative process of a renowned master of the Italian Renaissance.