Pieta (recto); Madonna and two Cherubs in pen and brown ink; copy of a drawing in the Louvre which is attributed to Raphael (verso)

Art Historical Context

This double-sided drawing from the 16th century captures the profound emotion of the Pietà on its recto, depicting the Virgin Mary cradling the lifeless body of Christ. Created with brush and brown ink heightened by white, the work exemplifies Raphael’s masterful ability to convey tenderness and sorrow through fluid lines and delicate shading. As a leading figure of the High Renaissance, Raphael infused such devotional subjects with balanced composition and human warmth, reflecting the era’s renewed interest in classical harmony and emotional depth. The medium itself highlights the artist’s t...