Five Nude Infants in Various Poses
Circle of Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio or Santi) Italian
Not on view
Among the studies of children on this sheet, the figure portrayed seated upon a tree stump may represent the Christ Child, while the child holding a book may portray the infant Saint John. Although the subject remains unidentifiable, the tree stump, and the new branch which grows from it, are references to the Old and New Testament and were frequent symbols of rebirth and resurrection. This carefully executed drawing has long been associated with the circles of Perugino and his most gifted pupil, Raphael.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.