Study for St. Paul Preaching in Athens 1515

This red chalk drawing, titled "Study for St. Paul Preaching in Athens," is a preparatory work for a larger fresco by the High Renaissance master Raphael. Created in 1515, it showcases the artist's masterful understanding of human anatomy and composition. The drawing depicts a group of figures, possibly representing St. Paul addressing a crowd in Athens, as he preaches the Christian faith. Raphael's use of line and shadow gives a sense of movement and energy to the figures, preparing for the more detailed depiction in the fresco. The drawing, now housed in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, is a valuable insight into Raphael's artistic process, showcasing his meticulous approach to composition and figure study.