Female Head in Profile, Facing Right n.d.

This is a drawing in red chalk of a woman’s head in profile, made in the workshop of Raphael, sometime in the early 16th century. Drawings like this one were crucial to artistic production in the Renaissance. Raphael ran a large workshop, and assistants would often make studies of models. Red chalk was a favored medium, praised for its ability to capture the softness of skin. This image tells us a lot about the way the artistic institutions functioned at that time. The division of labor in Renaissance workshops allowed for a high volume of output, and the circulation of drawings helped to disseminate Raphael’s style. The drawing also reflects the social status of women. Her demure gaze and elegant hairstyle indicate the virtues Renaissance society prized. To understand this work more fully, scholars consult not only art historical sources but also social histories and workshop inventories to understand the context of its creation. Ultimately, the meaning of this drawing lies in its connection to the artistic and social structures of its time.