Head and Front Quarters of a Bull 1510 - 1561

"Head and Front Quarters of a Bull" is a pen and ink drawing by Battista Franco, an Italian artist active during the 16th century. This detailed study, held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases Franco’s mastery of anatomical precision and his interest in capturing the animal’s powerful presence. The drawing's meticulous lines evoke the bull's musculature and texture, offering a glimpse into the artist's preparatory process for larger compositions. Franco's drawing style, influenced by High Renaissance masters, exemplifies the shift towards realism and detailed observation in 16th-century art.