Study for Saturn Presiding over the City of Bologna, with the Arms of Cardinal Giulio Sacchetti c. 1640

This drawing, dating back to the 17th century, was made by Giovanni Battista Coriolano in red chalk, a material that gives the piece its warm hue and soft texture. Coriolano was a printmaker, which means he was highly attuned to the qualities of line. In this study, he uses that skill to create depth and volume with hatching and cross-hatching, particularly noticeable in the figure of Saturn and the cherubic figures at the top. The medium of red chalk lends itself well to these techniques, allowing for subtle gradations of tone. The deliberate choice of this material shows how the artist has imbued the artwork with cultural significance. Ultimately, the drawing's success isn't just about the skill of the artist, but also the inherent qualities of the material itself.