Upraised Right Hand, with Palm Facing Outward: Study for Saint Peter 1518 - 1520

Raphael made this drawing, "Upraised Right Hand, with Palm Facing Outward: Study for Saint Peter," with black chalk. The composition centers around the titular hand, rendered with meticulous attention to anatomical detail. The delicate gradations of light and shadow give the hand a sculptural presence, while the dynamic pose suggests potential movement, evoking a sense of dramatic tension. Note how the arm and drapery are only lightly sketched in, drawing greater attention to the hand. During the Renaissance, the hand was not merely a physical attribute but a symbol of action, creation, and divine blessing. In semiotic terms, Raphael's strategic use of line and shading elevates the hand to a signifier of power and authority. It echoes broader philosophical concerns about human potential and the expression of divine will. The formal qualities of this drawing challenge fixed meanings by portraying the hand as both an object of study and a vehicle for expression. It suggests the artist's process is one of continuous interpretation and re-interpretation.