Seated Female Holding a Book, Two Heads of Bearded Men, Seated Male Nude, and Four Sketches for Christ Judging (recto); Studies for Cain Slaying Abel (verso) 1628

This sheet of studies by Palma il Giovane, completed just a year before his death, reveals the artist's creative process. The recto, or front side, presents a collection of figures, including a seated female with a book, bearded men, and a male nude. These studies likely represent preliminary sketches for larger compositions, possibly religious scenes, as evidenced by the sketches for "Christ Judging" on the recto. The verso features studies for "Cain Slaying Abel," a biblical scene that offers insight into Palma's approach to depicting dramatic narratives. These drawings demonstrate Palma's skilled hand in capturing anatomy and movement.