The Virgin Nursing the Christ Child, in a Glory of Angels (recto); Studies for seated figures of Christ and God the Father in red chalk (verso) 1690 - 1758

Nicola Maria Rossi's "The Virgin Nursing the Christ Child, in a Glory of Angels (recto); Studies for seated figures of Christ and God the Father in red chalk (verso)" is a drawing executed in red chalk on paper that showcases the artist's preliminary sketches for a larger composition. The recto features a depiction of the Virgin Mary nursing the Christ Child, surrounded by a halo of angels, while the verso contains studies of seated figures of Christ and God the Father. These studies, visible through the thinness of the paper, demonstrate Rossi's meticulous planning and exploration of form, typical of the Baroque style. The piece, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, reveals the artist's creative process and provides insight into the artistic techniques of the 18th century.