Study for a Roman general in a pendentive 1550 - 1599

This anonymous drawing, titled "Study for a Roman general in a pendentive," is a preparatory sketch for a larger fresco or painting. Created between 1550 and 1599, the drawing depicts a Roman general in a dramatic pose, likely intended for a pendentive, the curved surface that connects a dome to its supporting walls. The drawing, with its fluid lines and anatomical precision, exemplifies the study of human anatomy, a hallmark of the Renaissance. It showcases the artist's meticulous attention to detail, foreshadowing the grandeur of the finished work. The general's powerful form and dramatic stance suggest a heroic figure, perhaps a historical figure or a mythological character. This preparatory work, housed in the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst, offers a glimpse into the creative process of the artist, showcasing the evolution of a monumental artwork from its initial stages.