Sheet of Studies: Three Women and a Hand (recto); Sketches of Male Nudes, Heads and Hand (verso)

Art Historical Context

This double-sided sheet of studies by François Marot offers a fascinating glimpse into an artist’s creative process. Created with black chalk heightened by white chalk on the recto and black chalk alone on the verso, the drawing captures quick, observational sketches on tan laid paper. The front features three women and a carefully rendered hand, while the reverse explores male nudes, heads, and another hand—subjects that suggest Marot was working out poses, anatomy, and gestures for future compositions. Such study sheets were essential tools for artists, allowing them to experiment with form...