Half-Figure of an Angel Looking Upward (recto); Bust of a Man in Left Profile (verso) 1611 - 1689

Baldassarre Franceschini, also known as Il Volterrano, made this drawing of an angel looking upward in the 17th century. It's executed in red chalk, a material prized for its ability to create soft, nuanced lines. The inherent qualities of red chalk – its earthy tone, the way it crumbles slightly on the page – give the drawing a sense of immediacy. Franceschini masterfully uses the chalk to capture the angel's gaze, directing our eyes heavenward. The loose, sketch-like quality suggests this was a preparatory study, perhaps for a larger painting or fresco. It gives us a glimpse into the artist’s working process. Drawings like this were crucial for artists in Franceschini's time. They allowed them to experiment with composition and hone their skills, but they also served as a form of intellectual property. The drawings would remain in the studio, acting as the means of production to facilitate other works. Appreciating the material and making of this drawing allows us to understand it not just as a beautiful image, but as a record of labor, skill, and artistic ingenuity.