Sheet of Studies for the Blinding of Elymas, Sacrifice at Lystra, and a Holy Family c. 1558

Taddeo Zuccaro created this sheet of studies for the Blinding of Elymas, Sacrifice at Lystra, and a Holy Family using pen and brown ink in the mid-16th century. The composition is dominated by a seated figure, draped in fabric, surrounded by smaller scenes and sketches. The red-brown ink lends a warm tone, while the varying line weights create a sense of depth and movement. Zuccaro employs a dynamic interplay between the central figure and the peripheral studies. This arrangement reflects a Mannerist sensibility, favoring complexity and artistic virtuosity over classical harmony. Semiotically, each sketch acts as a signifier, contributing to a network of meanings. The sketches also function as a form of visual note-taking, where the artist explores different narrative and compositional ideas. The sheet operates as a microcosm of Zuccaro’s artistic process, revealing how he grappled with the formal and conceptual challenges inherent in representing religious narratives. This study reminds us that art exists within a continuous process of interpretation.