Seated Female Figure with Upraised Arms, Facing Right

Veronese School

mid-15th century · Pen and brown ink, over traces of black chalk · Robert Lehman Collection

The very fine, regular hatching and delicate, soft modeling in this drawing differ from the style of Stefano da Verona. Endowing the figure with a classicizing and sculptural quality, the artist, an unknown Veronese draftsman of the mid-fifteenth century, was particularly concerned with the twisting folds of drapery around the figure. The lack of attributes and setting make it difficult to determine her identity or the intended context. The figure may represent a Virtue such as Hope, who is often portrayed with upraised arms, or a Sibyl.

Artist

Veronese School

Date

mid-15th century

Medium

Pen and brown ink, over traces of black chalk

Culture

Italian, Verona

Department

Robert Lehman Collection

Credit line

Robert Lehman Collection, 1975