Madonna Mourning: Studies for the Entombment of Christ c. 1656

This red chalk drawing by Italian Baroque artist Guercino, known as "Madonna Mourning: Studies for the Entombment of Christ", is a study for a larger composition. The drawing features three figures representing mourning women, each with their head bowed in grief. This piece is a preparatory drawing for a painting, highlighting Guercino's masterful understanding of human anatomy and gesture, especially evident in the delicate rendering of the women's draped garments. The drawing is now held in the Art Institute of Chicago.