Figural Studies for a Scene (The Birth of the Virgin or Saint John the Baptist?) 1515 - 1535

Rosso Fiorentino's "Figural Studies for a Scene (The Birth of the Virgin or Saint John the Baptist?)" is a red chalk drawing, part of a series of preparatory studies for a larger painting. The artwork features a series of figure studies, some standing and others reclining, suggesting a scene of divine revelation or a birth. The sketchy nature of the work emphasizes the artist's process and his exploration of composition and anatomy. This drawing exemplifies Rosso's distinctive style, characterized by elongated figures, dramatic gestures, and a heightened sense of emotional intensity, that would influence subsequent generations of artists.