The Virgin Appearing to Saint Jerome (recto); Head of a Young Woman with Braided Hair 1621 - 1661

This drawing, made by Flaminio Torre in the 17th century, uses red chalk on paper to depict the Virgin appearing to Saint Jerome. Chalk, a readily available material, allowed artists like Torre to explore form and composition with relative ease and speed. The medium itself is crucial to understanding the drawing. Red chalk, known for its earthy tone, lends a warmth and immediacy to the scene. Torre's skillful handling of the chalk, creating fine lines and broad shading, gives the figures volume and a sense of movement. The textured surface of the paper also plays a role, catching the chalk in its fibers and adding depth to the image. Drawings like this were often preparatory studies for larger paintings or frescoes, a crucial step in the collaborative, workshop-based system of artistic production at the time. The ease and relative low cost of chalk allowed for experimentation and refinement of ideas before committing to more expensive and time-consuming materials. Appreciating the drawing as a distinct object reminds us that even preliminary sketches carry their own aesthetic value.