Study of the Right Leg of a Male Child

The "Study of the Right Leg of a Male Child" by Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio or Santi), dating from the High Renaissance, is an exceptional example of the period's rigorous preparatory draughtsmanship. Executed primarily in pen and brown ink, the work utilizes subtle black chalk and stylus underdrawing to establish the form and placement before the final inking. This practice was essential to the Renaissance workshop, ensuring anatomical accuracy and dynamic posture in final compositions, whether paintings, altarpieces, or frescoes.

The focused subject matter is an intense anatomical study of a young boy's lower leg and foot. Raphael captures the soft, yet clearly articulated forms characteristic of children’s feet and limbs, applying the ink with precision to denote shading, volume, and slight folds of flesh. Such detailed sketches reveal the master’s dedication to natural observation, translating the living model into an idealized, yet believable, artistic form. The figure of the child was a frequent element in the artist’s output, often appearing as putti, angels, or figures in religious narratives.

As one of the foundational figures of the Italian Renaissance, Raphael’s surviving drawings provide invaluable insight into his working methodology and developmental stages. This piece highlights his skill in moving from preliminary concepts to detailed execution. The work currently resides in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of their historical importance and eventual public domain status, high-quality prints and reproductions of the work allow a wider audience to examine the delicate lines and powerful observation skills displayed in this focused anatomical sketch.