Design of Dead Christ Supported by Two Angels a Saint 1553 - 1588

This drawing, "Design of Dead Christ Supported by Two Angels a Saint," is a study by Marco Marchetti, also known as Marco da Faenza, for a larger painting. It is a fine example of the artist's skill in depicting the human form, as seen in the anatomical detail of Christ's body and the natural postures of the angels. The drawing's emphasis on line and form exemplifies the draftsmanship common in the 16th century, and its subject matter, the dead Christ, is a popular theme in Renaissance art. This drawing, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers insights into the artistic process of a master.