Study for a Figure of the Virgin

Michelangelo Buonarroti (after)

Summary

A reproduction produced by the Vasari Society of a drawing by Michelangelo. The study shows a female figure facing the viewer with her head and shoulders arched to the right and her right arm lifted towards the left. Her face is tilted downwards and she appears to be looking at something to the lower right of the composition. Her weight is on her left leg, which is slightly bent and her right foot is raised behind her left leg suggesting movement. She is wearing a cloak, which is apparent in the folds of fabric resting on her shoulders and over her arms. The woman's hair is tied up, possible wrapped in cloth. To the left of the composition is an architectural structure like a column of plinth, which the woman appears to be holding on to with her right arm. Text from the accompanying booklet produced by the Vasari Society: "No. 5 MICHAELANGELO (b. 1475, d. 1564) STUDY FOR A FIGURE OF THE VIRGIN British Museum, 1900-6-11-1. From the Buonarroti, Wicar, Lawrence, and Radford Collections. Black chalk. 34.8 x 22.5 cm. (13 3/4 x 8 3/4 in.) This figure, which is in Michaelangelo's latest manner, was used in a modified form (with the hands raised, and the figure inclined back instead of forward) in a picture in St. John Lateran, painted from the master's designs by Marcello Venusti. A similar composition was engraved by Beatrizet."