Resurrection

The drawing titled Resurrection is attributed to the period spanning 1500-1520, originating from the highly influential workshop following Raffaello Sanzio, called Raphael Italian, 1483-1520. This exceptional High Renaissance work, a drawing classified as an academic study from Italy, captures the dramatic and theological moment of Christ’s emergence from the tomb, surrounded by astonished or frightened Roman guards.

The artist executed the composition primarily in red chalk, a favored medium for creating preparatory studies and detailed compositional sketches during the era. To enhance volume and provide luminosity, the work utilizes lead white, skillfully applied to heighten the highlights. This lead white is now partially discolored, a common effect of age on the specific pigment. The drawing itself was originally rendered on brown laid paper, subsequently laid down onto an ivory laid card for structural support and preservation. The use of robust materials suggests the high value placed on these compositional studies within Raphael's prolific studio.

As a product of the wider Sanzio circle, this piece provides valuable insight into the rigorous training and organizational structure necessary to disseminate Raphael’s complex compositional ideas to his many assistants and apprentices. The mastery of form and the narrative clarity seen here align perfectly with the prevailing aesthetic values of the Roman High Renaissance. This significant work remains part of the esteemed permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, offering scholars access to the drafting techniques of the period. Reflecting its historical importance, this master study is frequently made available for educational purposes, with high-quality prints and imagery often featured in public domain art collections.