A Seated Saint Reading from a Book 1471 - 1500

"A Seated Saint Reading from a Book" is a silverpoint drawing by Francesco Botticini, a Florentine artist who was active in the late 15th century. The drawing depicts a saint, likely a figure from the early church, seated and reading from a book. The saint is depicted with a halo, suggesting his holiness. Botticini's drawing showcases the artist's ability to convey form and detail through the use of silverpoint. The drawing, a preparatory study, is a small work, measuring only 10 1/4 x 6 3/8 inches, which allows for the delicate lines and delicate shading to come to the fore. The drawing is now housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.