Who painted Study for the Head of St. Michael?

Study for the Head of St. Michael was painted by Pietro da Cortona in 1633.

Where can I see Study for the Head of St. Michael?

Study for the Head of St. Michael is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Study for the Head of St. Michael?

Study for the Head of St. Michael is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Study for the Head of St. Michael

Pietro da Cortona , 1633

Study for the Head of St. Michael is a drawing by the Baroque artist Pietro da Cortona. It dates from 1633 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Study for the Head of St.

Accession no.: 1996.257
Credit line: Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund

About this work

Overview

Study for the Head of St. Michael is a drawing by Pietro da Cortona, created as a preparatory work for a fresco.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a youthful face with upturned eyes and parted lips, likely representing an angel. The subject is associated with Saint Michael, a figure featured in the artist's ceiling decoration in the Chiesa Nuova, Rome.

Technique & Style

Cortona employed black chalk to achieve subtle shading effects, demonstrating a refined technique. The drawing's soft, nuanced transitions between light and shadow reflect the artist's familiarity with Italian drawing traditions, particularly the sfumato technique used to blur edges.

History & Provenance

The drawing was created in preparation for Cortona's fresco, Saint Michael and Angels with the Instruments of the Passion, completed in 1633 in the Chiesa Nuova, Rome.