Maratta, Carlo (Italian, 1625-1713) maratta6 The Italian artists

The drawing presents a youthful figure in a dynamic pose, seemingly caught mid-action. The subject is depicted from a three-quarter angle, emphasizing a sense of movement and immediacy. A strong diagonal line runs through the composition, established by the extended arm and gaze directed upwards and to the left.
Here we see an emphasis on anatomical detail; the artist has rendered the musculature with careful observation, particularly in the arm and shoulder. The rendering is not overly detailed or polished, but rather conveys a sense of energetic study. Hatching and cross-hatching are employed extensively to create tonal variation and suggest volume. The use of light and shadow contributes to the impression of three-dimensionality, though the overall palette remains monochromatic.
The figure’s expression appears thoughtful, perhaps even slightly melancholic. This is conveyed through the downturned mouth and the subtle furrowing of the brow. The drapery, loosely arranged around the body, adds a sense of fluidity and grace to the composition. It also serves to define the form beneath, highlighting the contours of the figure’s physique.
The subjects gesture – holding an object in one hand while extending the other – suggests a moment of contemplation or perhaps interaction with something beyond the frame. The object held is difficult to discern precisely, but its presence introduces an element of narrative ambiguity. It could be a tool, a symbol, or simply a prop used to explore the figure’s pose and gesture.
The drawings unfinished quality – the lack of extensive shading in certain areas, the visible sketch lines – suggests it may have been a preparatory study for a larger work. The focus seems less on achieving a finished product and more on capturing the essence of the subjects form and movement. It offers insight into the artist’s process of observation and representation, revealing an interest in anatomical accuracy combined with expressive gesture.