Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio) (1483-1520) An allegorical figure of Poetry c.1509-10, black chalks over stylus underdrawing

Raphael's first major undertaking in Rome was a fresco series on themes of theology, philosophy, jurisprudence, and poetry in what was probably the Julius ll library in the Vatican Palace, a room now known as the Stanza della Signatura.

This drawing is a study for the allegorical figure of poetry painted in the vault of the chamber. The drapery of the study and the pose of the figure correspond with the fresco, but in the fresco the upper half of the body is clothed as well.

Raphael would first sketch his model nude and fix the proportions and pose - he would use a stylus that left only indentations on the surface of the paper. Black chalk was then applied over the indentations and the drawing was built up, allowing the legs to be seen through the soft drapery. A grid is visible in the drawing that would have aided the next stage of the reproduction of the figure.