Saint John the Evangelist (recto; Cartoon for a Fresco); Saint Mark (verso; Cartoon for a Fresco)
Francesco Salviati (Francesco de' Rossi) Italian
Not on view
This rare, bold composition was a preparatory cartoon (full-scale drawing) for a fresco painted in 1548–49 in the private chapel of Cardinal Alessandro Farnese in the Palazzo della Cancelleria in Rome. It is the only surviving cartoon by Salviati. The artist posed the male figure in a relief-like plane, with an elegant contrapposto (turning of the body and limbs), to create suggestive profile and frontal views that enhance the visual power of the image. The drawing is executed with dynamic contrasts of finish and unfinish; the charcoal is at times seamlessly blended for polished, luminous effects, while at other times bold strokes applied in parallel and cross-hatching are left evident for the expressive effect.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.