Drie studies van een man, die door een kind aan de arm wordt getrokken 1519 - 1566

Daniele da Volterra made this drawing with graphite on paper, probably sometime in the mid-16th century. Graphite may seem like an obvious material now, but back then, it was a relatively new medium, prized for its ability to create delicate lines and subtle shading. Looking closely, you can almost feel the artist's hand moving across the page, capturing the energy and movement of the figures, and the tension between the man and child. The figures are rendered with a minimum of strokes, but the artist's confident handling of the graphite conveys weight and volume. Da Volterra probably made this drawing as a study for a larger painting or sculpture. Artists often used drawings to explore different ideas and compositions before committing to a final design. You can see the artist experimenting with the figures, trying out different poses and angles. Considered in its time to be preparatory work, this drawing can now be appreciated for its own sake. It's a reminder that art is not just about the finished product, but also about the process of creation.