An Unrecognized Composition by Raphael

Abstract

There is in my collection a large composition sketch (Fig. 1) which represents a Pope conducting a solemn ceremony before many witnesses. It is of very fine quality and an original drawing. This is shown by the method itself. The general dispositions were made in a loose scribble of red chalk, which still warms the surface agreeably. Then the figures and architecture were defined with a quill pen. The further modeling was achieved by a generally light and transparent sepia wash. And finally many lights were brushed on in white in a generally vertical direction. Aside from this elaborate building-up process, most unlikely in a copyist, there are numerous pentimenti. Of these the most conspicuous is a standing figure the fourth from the Pope. It was originally the highest of its group, and the whole figure was subsequently dropped by half a head. In the final position the skull was carelessly contoured, made much too high, and redrawn lightly in more reasonable proportions. An examination of the upper row of heads across the group will show several similar cases of correction. There are other corrections in the architectural background. In short, this is a carefully made working drawing, but there is no squaring or pricking to indicate that it was executed.