Woman and Children

The drawing Woman and Children, attributed After Raffaello Sanzio, called Raphael Italian, 1483-1520, likely originates from the vast period between 1500 and 1899. Classified as a study, this work was executed using red and black chalk on tan laid paper, a traditional combination allowing the artist to define contours and model form through contrast and subtle shading. To ensure its stability and longevity, the original drawing was subsequently laid down onto ivory laid board. The dual-color chalk technique suggests a skilled hand attempting to replicate the dimensionality often found in preparatory studies for major Renaissance paintings.

This piece reflects the overwhelming influence of Raphael, who was considered one of the pillars of the Italian High Renaissance. The designation "After Raphael" signifies that the work is not an autograph piece by the master, but rather a copy or interpretation created by a student or admirer decades, perhaps centuries, later. Such rigorous study was a fundamental component of artistic training in Italy, ensuring that Raphael’s ideals of harmonious composition, balanced anatomy, and classical drapery were passed down through subsequent generations.

The work currently resides in the esteemed collection of drawings at the Art Institute of Chicago. Created within a tradition of reproducing classical compositions, this drawing serves as a valuable document for studying the enduring aesthetic standards established by Raphael. As works of this nature often fall into the public domain, the image, subject, and technique continue to inspire artists and scholars globally, allowing for the widespread availability of high-quality prints and reproductions for continued art historical analysis.