Standing Pregnant Woman (Study for the Pregnant Virgin Mary) 1556 - 1629

Bartolomeo Cesi's "Standing Pregnant Woman (Study for the Pregnant Virgin Mary)" is a red chalk drawing dating back to 1556-1629. This study, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, is a preliminary sketch for a larger painting depicting the Virgin Mary during her pregnancy. The drawing captures the figure's soft, flowing lines and the subtle nuances of her form, providing a glimpse into Cesi's artistic process and his approach to depicting the human body. The composition's simplicity and focus on the figure's posture contribute to the work's timeless appeal and artistic significance.