Spectators Amazed c. early 1540s

"Spectators Amazed" is a red chalk drawing by the Italian Mannerist artist Battista Franco, created around the early 1540s. This small-scale drawing showcases Franco's skill in capturing dynamic poses and expressive figures, evident in the central figure of a man falling and the surrounding figures reacting in surprise. Franco's use of red chalk provides a delicate and expressive line, highlighting the contours of the figures and the depth of the scene. This drawing exemplifies Franco's mastery of the human form and his ability to convey emotion and movement through swift and confident strokes.