Woman Crowned with Laurel c. 18th century

This 18th-century red chalk drawing, attributed to the Italian Renaissance master Raphael, portrays a woman crowned with laurel. The laurel wreath symbolizes victory and achievement, suggesting a figure of importance or perhaps a personification of a virtue. The delicate lines and subtle shading of Raphael's drawing create a sense of elegance and refinement. The subtle yet nuanced expression on the woman's face suggests both strength and grace, making this drawing a testament to Raphael's mastery of capturing human emotion and the nuances of the human form.