The Virgin and Child

Quickly drawn in black chalk, this study was formerly part of the same sketchbook which likely also included two studies of almost the same size: one for a Holy Family in the Museum’s collection (no. 80.3.135; black chalk, 14.3 x 11.6 cm) and the other one for a Madonna and Child with the Infant St. John in The Morgan Library & Museum, New York (inv. IV,8; black chalk, 13.5 x 9.7 cm). Even though the drawings show similarities with Fra’ Bartolomeo’s shorthand, the three sketchbook sheets should be attributed to a talented member of his workshop, possibly the monk Fra’ Paolino da Pistoia (1488-1547), who inherited his master’s drawings and cartoons at his death in 1517. The pyramidal structure of the three drawings and their use of blended black chalk to create atmosphere are signs of the admiration of Fra' Bartolomeo and his workshop for the graphic work of Leonardo da Vinci. (Furio Rinaldi)