Old Masters Chalk Drawing

This 17th century drawing depicts a reclining woman with her back. The Sanguine chalk that has been used here was was used extensively by the 16th century by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael.

It is likely that this work was intended as a quick preliminary sketch encourage by the qualities of the medium. As can be seen here, it is especially appropriate for rendering effects of mass and atmosphere. However, from the late Renaissance red chalk began to be used as a medium in its own right for finished drawings.