Hand 1587 - 1660

Giacomo Cavedone’s study, made with black and white chalk on brownish paper, presents a hand in dynamic form. The energetic strokes of the chalk give a sense of movement to the hand. The composition is structured by a contrast of dark lines which define the contour of the hand against the lighter highlights. The texture created by the chalk evokes a sense of depth and volume, making the hand appear almost sculptural. The limited palette focuses our attention on the modulation of light and shadow. Cavedone masterfully uses line and shading to create a powerful representation. It exemplifies how a seemingly simple study can convey complex ideas about form, space and the human body, inviting us to explore the boundaries between representation and abstraction.