Studieblad met handen 1587 - 1660

Giacomo Cavedone made this drawing of hands with chalk on paper sometime in the late 16th or early 17th century. Cavedone was working in Bologna, a city that was then part of the Papal States. Drawings like this one were produced in the context of the academy. Around 1600, artists increasingly received their training in these formal institutions. The Carracci brothers, also from Bologna, founded one of the most influential early academies. In the academy, students learned about art history and theory, and they trained by copying prints and drawing from life. This drawing by Cavedone reflects the academic emphasis on studying and mastering the human form. The academic system institutionalized art and promoted certain styles and values. By understanding the culture of the academy, we can better understand the social role of drawings like this one. We can research the history of the academies, read the writings of art theorists, and study the lives and careers of artists to learn more about this period.