Saint Stephen and Other Saints on Clouds 1571 - 1600

This black chalk drawing, likely by the Friuli artist, depicts Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, surrounded by other saints on clouds. Created between 1571 and 1600, it's a study for a larger composition, highlighting the artist's use of line and gesture to capture the figures’ movement and emotion. The drawing’s dynamic composition and delicate shading contribute to the sense of heavenly ascent, characteristic of Renaissance religious art. The work can be found at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, a testament to its artistic merit.