Perseus Beheading Medusa (recto); Studies of a Child and Ornament Sketches (verso) 1560 - 1609

Annibale Carracci's "Perseus Beheading Medusa (recto); Studies of a Child and Ornament Sketches (verso)" is a preparatory drawing for a fresco, featuring the Greek mythological hero Perseus in the act of beheading the Gorgon Medusa. The drawing is composed in a dynamic, expressive style typical of Carracci's work, characterized by swift lines and a strong sense of movement, the viewer is drawn to the dramatic action of the scene and the intricate detail of the figures' anatomy. This is a prime example of the artist's exploration of classical subject matter and masterful draftsmanship during the late 16th century.