Head of a Woman and Sketch of a Figure (?) 1500 - 1600

This anonymous drawing from the 16th century, titled "Head of a Woman and Sketch of a Figure (?)", is a study in red chalk and black chalk on paper. The artwork, currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, captures a woman's head in profile, partially obscured by drapery, alongside a sketch of a figure in a more dynamic pose. The loose and gestural lines suggest a quick study, likely done for a larger composition, offering insight into the artist's creative process. This drawing highlights the importance of drawing in the development of artistic skill during the Renaissance.