Head for the Figure of the Virgin
1781. White chalk, Red chalk on dark toned paper.Not on display
This is a preparatory drawing for the main figure of the cupola interior of the fresco Regina Prophetarum. The latter was painted in 1781 and is located in the right nave of the Holy Chapel of the Basilica of the Pilar in Zaragoza. The Museo Diocesano in Zaragoza keeps two preparatory sketches, one in grisaille. Furthermore, in the museum, there are several preparatory drawings for the fresco. This is a study of the head of the Virgin, depicted frontally, slightly turned to the left and with her gaze lowered. In the final painting of the fresco, a veil covered her head.
Arnáez, Rocío, Catálogo de Dibujos II. Dibujos españoles siglo XVIII. A-B, Madrid, 1975, p.81-82
