Plaster Cast of Left Hand

Art Historical Context

**Plaster Cast of Left Hand** by On Marinari (1627–1715) is a delicate preparatory drawing from the 17th century, showcasing the Italian artist's mastery in capturing form and texture. Marinari, a Florentine painter and draughtsman influenced the Baroque style of Carlo Dolci, in highly finished drawings that bridged painting and sculpture. This undated work, executed in red chalk with stumping on ivory laid paper (14.9 × 24.5 cm), depicts plaster cast of a left hand, a common academic exercise for studying anatomy and light effects during the era's rigorous training in disegno (drawing as the foundation of art). The use of red chalk—prized for its warm tones and blendability—allowed Marinari to model the hand's subtle contours and soft shadows through stumping, a technique where a stump (rolled paper) smudges the chalk for smooth gradations. Laid down on another sheet of ivory paper, it reflects meticulous preservation practices for such fragile works. These studies were vital in Baroque academies, helping artists replicate classical ideals and prepare for larger compositions. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Prints and Drawings Department, this piece offers a window into 17th-century artistic pedagogy, highlighting how everyday studies like this honed skills for grand altarpieces and portraits. It's a testament to Marinari's precision, inviting visitors to appreciate the quiet beauty in anatomical exploration.