Studies for a Pietà / Studies of Sleeping Figures

Michelangelo Buonarroti (after)

Summary

A reproduction produced by the Vasari Society of two drawings by Michelangelo. The top drawing on the sheet is a line of five studies for a Pietà, in which the dead body of Jesus is being held. These are loosely drawn, with multiple lines on each one indicating different positions. In the third and fourth sketches from the left there appear to be two figures, one either side of Jesus, whereas in the other three he is held by a figure from behind. The bottom drawing on the sheet is several studies of sleeping figures, mostly resting their heads against their arms. In the centre are a couple of lighter sketches of standing figures. Text from the accompanying booklet produced by the Vasari Society: "4. MICHELANGELO (b. 1475; d. 1564) STUDIES FOR A PIETÀ Oxford, Ashmolean Museum. Presented to the University by a Body of Subscribers, 1846. From the Ottley and Lawrence Collections. Black chalk. 10.3 x 28.1 cm. (4 1/4 x 11 1/16 in.). The studies are of especial importance as being for the unfinished Pietà at the Palazzo Ronadanini, Rome. Two other sketches on the same sheet for a Group of Disciples carrying off the Dead Body of Our Saviour do not appear to be connected with any known work of the master. Date of the sheet, about 1542. A. G. B. G. [Robinson, Critical Account, p. 80, No. 70 (1); Berenson, 1572.] 5. MICHELANGELO (b. 1475; d. 1564) STUDIES OF SLEEPING FIGURES Oxford, Ashmolean Museum. Presented to the University by a Body of Subscribers, 1846. From the Ottley and Lawrence Collections. Black chalk. 10.6 x 32.5 cm. (4 1/4 x 12 3/4 in.). Mr. Berenson, in agreement with Sir Charles Robinson, has no hesitation in identifying the studies as preliminary sketches for the cartoon of Christ in the Garden mentioned by Vasari. The action of the figure which accompanies them, of a man springing from the ground and starting backwards, would appear, however, rather to be suggestive of a composition of the Resurrection. Date of the sheet, about 1545. A. G. B. R. [Robinson, Critical Account, p. 80, No. 70 (2); Berenson, 1572 A.]"