Double-sided Sheet: (recto) Study of Draperies; (verso) Study of a Standing Female Nude in a Beckoning PoseTurned toward Left. 1700 - 1767

Giacomo Zoboli’s double-sided sheet, now at the Met, is made from paper and red chalk. Paper is a relatively common material, yet it serves as a ground for Zoboli's skilled draftsmanship, elevating the art above its humble origins. The drawing captures studies of draperies and a standing female nude. The red chalk, also known as sanguine, is key here. The material lends itself to warm tones and subtle gradations, creating a sense of depth and volume. It invites the viewer to consider the weight and fall of the fabric, and the soft contours of the human form. Drawings like this involved a distinct economy of labor and skill. Zoboli would likely have been working in a busy studio, where efficient workflows were essential. The red chalk medium allowed for quick, expressive marks, but demanded a high level of control. In considering this artwork, we can appreciate how Zoboli has imbued the medium with cultural significance. This simple study embodies the artist's mastery of form, and reveals much about the social and economic context in which it was produced.