Three Nude Women

The drawing Three Nude Women was executed sometime between 1600 and 1699, created after the influential style and compositions of Raffaello Sanzio, called Raphael, and his workshop Italian, 1483-1520. Classified as an Italian drawing, the piece utilizes red chalk on ivory laid paper, a support subsequently laid down onto a card backing for stability. This delicate combination of medium and support highlights the artist’s mastery of line and tone, characteristics central to the draftsmanship tradition in Italy during the 17th century.

The subject focuses on three female figures rendered nude, emphasizing anatomical study and volumetric form. Drawings created “after” major masters were crucial pedagogical tools, allowing subsequent generations of artists to study and replicate the idealized compositions and figure representations perfected by 1483-1520 during the High Renaissance. The continued study of Raphael’s figure work during the Baroque era underscores his lasting dominance within Western art history.

The technique of using red chalk was favored for its ability to convey subtle shifts in modeling and shadow, lending a warm, life-like quality to the figures. This work provides insight into the enduring circulation of Renaissance motifs centuries after their original creation. Now part of the distinguished permanent holdings of the Art Institute of Chicago, this drawing represents a key link in the history of figure study. Because of the age and enduring influence of the original master, related imagery and fine art prints of compositions linked to the Raphaelesque circle are often found within public domain collections globally.