Head of the Virgin Mary from Perugino 1845

Silvestro Lega created this drawing, "Head of the Virgin Mary from Perugino", using graphite and crayon. The subdued palette immediately gives the drawing a sense of quiet contemplation. Lega’s focus on the Virgin's face, softly lit from above, draws the viewer into her private moment. Note how the lines are delicately rendered, creating a subtle contrast between light and shadow that defines the Virgin’s features. This approach captures the essence of Perugino's style while imbuing it with Lega's own sensibility. The precision of the draftsmanship suggests an engagement with classical ideals, yet the medium invites an exploration of its materiality as both drawing and study. Finally, consider the use of line, texture and tonal variation, which articulate not just the physical form of the Virgin but also the complex interplay between representation and abstraction.