Horse's head

The detailed study, Horse's head, by the Italian High Renaissance master Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio or Santi), is an exquisite example of preparatory drawing from the period spanning 1495-1555. This piece demonstrates sophisticated control over complex mixed media, utilizing brush and brown, red, green, and yellow washes alongside bright white gouache highlights. These color applications are layered meticulously over an initial figurative sketch rendered in black chalk. This blending of opaque and transparent techniques creates a dynamic, texturally rich rendering that moves beyond the function of a simple line study.

The intense focus on the anatomy and expression of the horse suggests this work was created as either a finished study of the animal form or a modello intended for incorporation into a much larger narrative composition, such as a fresco or altarpiece featuring cavalry or classical figures. Raphael’s skill in depicting the musculature, alertness, and powerful neck of the animal is immediately evident, showcasing the nobility often associated with horses in Renaissance iconography. The subtle application of colored washes imparts a painted quality, highlighting the artist's ability to translate three-dimensional structure onto paper.

This important work is classified as a drawing and forms part of the prestigious permanent collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. While the original remains an invaluable piece held by the museum, the enduring artistic quality of Raphael's work, including the study Horse's head, means that high-resolution images and prints are widely distributed. This availability often places the work within the public domain, allowing for scholarly study and public appreciation of the artist’s mastery even in his preliminary stages.