Kneeling Figure from the Back (recto); Three Half-length Studies of Veiled Female Figure (verso) 1595 - 1600

Andrea Boscoli made this red chalk drawing, "Kneeling Figure from the Back," sometime during his career, before 1608. The subdued palette focuses our attention on the figure’s pose, which projects a sense of vulnerability. Boscoli masterfully uses line to define form and volume. Look at the way the lines vary in thickness and pressure, creating a subtle play of light and shadow on the figure. This technique, common in preparatory sketches, allows us to see the artist's process of exploring form and composition. The figure is cropped in such a way that we are given only clues, making it hard to define the subject, or understand the purpose of the work. The structural integrity of Boscoli’s drawing lies in its precise articulation of form through line. It reveals the artist’s deep understanding of the human figure and his skill in translating three-dimensional form onto a two-dimensional surface. The drawing exists as both study and artwork, opening possibilities for ongoing interpretation.