Saints Peter and Paul Disputing with Simon Magus before Nero (recto); Five Scenes from the Story of Moses (verso) c. 1580

This drawing by Andrea Boscoli, dated to circa 1580, depicts the biblical story of Saints Peter and Paul's confrontation with the magician Simon Magus before the Roman Emperor Nero. The scene is rendered in a delicate, yet precise, drawing style. Boscoli's interest in the theme is evident in his careful rendering of the figures, their postures, and the details of their clothing, highlighting the drama and tension of the encounter. The artist's use of shading and hatching gives a sense of volume and depth to the figures, bringing the story to life. The drawing is an excellent example of Boscoli's skill in conveying complex narrative scenes through drawing.