Madonna and Child with the Infant Saint John the Baptist; upper left, Study for the Right Arm of the Infant Saint John; upper right, Study for Drapery (recto); Study of a Nude Male Figure (verso)

The detailed drawing, Madonna and Child with the Infant Saint John the Baptist; upper left, Study for the Right Arm of the Infant Saint John; upper right, Study for Drapery (recto); Study of a Nude Male Figure (verso), executed by Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio or Santi) between 1501 and 1512, offers crucial insight into the master’s working method during the High Renaissance. The recto features studies primarily rendered in red chalk, focusing on the intimate gathering of the Holy Family with the infant Saint John the Baptist, a theme central to Italian Renaissance iconography. The central composition examines the poses of the Christ Child and the Virgin Mary, while marginal sketches isolate specific elements, such as the intended movement for the Infant Saint John's right arm and careful observations of drapery folds.

This piece demonstrates Raphael's meticulous approach to figure drawing, essential for translating concepts into large-scale commissions. The reverse of the sheet, executed in pen and brown ink, contains a separate, powerful study of a Nude Male Figure. Such detailed studies of male nudes and anatomy were fundamental to Renaissance artistic training, allowing Raphael to perfect the underlying structure and musculature before adding clothing or integrating figures into complex narrative scenes. The dichotomy between the graceful piety of the Madonna and Child study on the recto and the stark anatomical realism of the verso highlights the artist's versatility and commitment to classical principles. This essential drawing, classified as a preparatory study, is a treasured component of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's distinguished collection of Old Master drawings.