Head of a Bearded Man, Looking Up to Right: Study for Saint Catherine of Alexandria Disputing with the Pagan Priests c. 1603

Cigoli made this drawing of a bearded man, a study for a larger painting, using black and red chalk on blue paper. The choice of materials is interesting. Chalk, a relatively soft and forgiving medium, allowed Cigoli to quickly capture the nuances of the model's face, while the blue paper provides a subtle, atmospheric ground. He creates depth and volume, through the cross-hatching and layering of the chalk. Drawings like these were essential to the workshop system of the Renaissance, where skill and technique were passed down from master to apprentice. This particular study highlights the importance of careful observation and draftsmanship in the creation of large-scale narrative paintings. Paying attention to materials and process allows us to appreciate the skill and labor involved in creating artworks like this, challenging the notion of the artist as a solitary genius.