Double-sided sheet of Figural Studies: (recto) Studies of a Young Man Holding a Stone Seen in Half-length; (verso) Seated Young Man Seen in Three-quarter View from Behind, Facing Right. 1700 - 1767

This double-sided sheet of studies was made by Giacomo Zoboli using black chalk on grey paper. Zoboli's choice of materials, black chalk, gives the figures a soft, almost smoky quality, with varying degrees of pressure creating the illusion of depth and form. Chalk is a readily available material, and its use speaks to a tradition of academic study. The sheet is filled with quick sketches that capture fleeting moments of observation. The artist is working out his ideas, understanding the way the body holds weight. Look at the verso of the sheet: the figure is presented from a three-quarter view, with the artist focusing on the fall of light and shadow across the planes of the back and shoulders. Zoboli's drawing reminds us that even the most celebrated artworks begin with humble materials and processes. By focusing on these aspects, we gain a deeper understanding of the artist's intentions, and the broader cultural contexts that shaped their creation.