Schetsblad met figuren

Art Historical Context

**Schetsblad met figuren by Felice BrusasorciFelice Brusasorci (c. 1539–1605), a prominent Veronese painter of the late Renaissance, created this *Schetsblad met fig*—a sketch sheet featuring various figures—sometime between 1550 and 1605. Hailing from Verona, Italy, Brusasorci was known for his dynamic frescoes, altarpieces, and drawings that bridged Renaissance naturalism with emerging Mannerist elegance. Sketch sheets like this vital tools for artists, allowing them to experiment with poses, anatomy, and compositions before committing to larger works. This intimate page captures the artist's exploratory process, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the creative mind behind Verona's vibrant artistic scene. Executed on prepared paper—a technique where the surface was tinted or primed for enhanced tonal effects and durability—this drawing measures 334 mm high by 218 mm wide. Prepared paper was popular among 16th-century draftsmen for its versatility in chalk, ink, or charcoal, enabling subtle shading and highlights that brought figures to life. Such sketches not only served practical purposes but also held artistic value, often collected by connoisseurs for their spontaneity and mastery. Its provenance traces an intriguing path: from the collection of K.K. Oberstleutnant Friedrich Andrievic(z) or Artievicz in Zagreb, via Helmut Haider in Diessen am Ammersee, to the museum in 1958, supported by the J.W. Edwin vom Rath fonds. This journey underscores the enduring appeal of Brusasorci's work across Europe, inviting us to appreciate the humble sketch as a cornerstone of art history.