Study for Ceres c. 1556

Giorgio Vasari's "Study for Ceres" (c. 1556), a pen and ink drawing, depicts the Roman goddess Ceres in a chariot drawn by two winged creatures, likely dragons or griffins. The drawing is a preparatory study for a larger work, demonstrating Vasari's mastery of draftsmanship and anatomical detail. The dynamic composition and expressive lines capture the movement and energy of Ceres's chariot ride, reflecting the dynamism of the Italian Renaissance. This study, now at the Art Institute of Chicago, offers a glimpse into the creative process of one of the leading artists of the Mannerist period.