Studie voor de figuur van Maria in de Geboorte in het Prado, Madrid, en twee studie van een slapend Christuskind c. 1597

This study by Federico Barocci, dated c. 1597, showcases the artist's preparatory work for his painting "The Nativity" in the Prado Museum in Madrid. The drawing features a figure of Mary in the left corner, and two studies of the sleeping Christ child. Barocci's characteristic loose and gestural lines, rendered in black chalk, effectively capture the form and movement of the figures. These studies reveal the meticulous planning behind his final compositions. This work offers a unique glimpse into Barocci's artistic process.