Fragment of a Tapestry Cartoon: Outstretched Hand, Body of a Seraph, and a Wing

"Fragment of a Tapestry Cartoon: Outstretched Hand, Body of a Seraph, and a Wing" is an important preparatory drawing attributed to the workshop of Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio or Santi), dating from the High Renaissance period, circa 1500-1550. The work exemplifies the complex artistic preparation required for monumental textile commissions. Classified as a drawing, the piece was executed using a sophisticated mix of materials, including brush, yellow, pink, green, gray, and white gouache applied skillfully over a preliminary drawing in black chalk. This layered technique was crucial for mimicking the density and tonal complexity intended for the final woven tapestry.

Although fragmented, the surviving components, particularly the detailed Outstretched Hand and the celestial elements of the Seraph's body and wing, suggest a divine or evangelical subject typical of Raphael’s major commissions for the Vatican or elite patrons. The meticulous attention paid to the anatomy of the hands and the flow of the celestial drapery underscores the drawing’s function as a full-scale component, or cartoon, intended to guide the weavers. Such designs needed to withstand the rigors of transfer and reproduction on the loom.

This significant historical document is permanently housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The drawing provides valuable insight into the collaborative studio methods employed by Raphael and his assistants during the first half of the sixteenth century. Given the foundational influence of Raphael on Western art, high-quality digital prints of this historic drawing are often made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring continued access for study and appreciation worldwide.