Drawing

Art Historical Context

Paolo de Matteis (1662–1728), a prominent Italian Baroque painter from, created this untitled drawing as an academic study of the nude. Working in an era dominated by dramatic compositions and classical influences from artists like the Carracci brothers, de Matteis often prepared his grand history paintings and religious works through such meticulous sketches. This piece exemplifies the rigorous training of the Accademia di San Luca tradition, where artists honed their mastery of human anatomy through life drawing. As a drawing medium, it likely employs techniques like chalk, ink, or wash to ...