Head for the figure of the Virgin
1791. White chalk, Black chalk on green paper.Not on display
This is a preparatory drawing for the main figure of the fresco The Adoration of the Magi in the Oratory of the Royal Palace in Aranjuez. On the cupola interior, Francisco Bayeu depicted the Eternal Father on the throne and surrounded by angels and seraphim. On the side walls, the Adoration of the Shepherds is depicted. Saint Luke appears on the right. The Adoration of the Magi and Saint Matthew are depicted on the frontispiece and two groups of angels appear on a painting over the door. On the walls on either side of the small window, he depicted the Visitation and this one, the Flight into Egypt. Finally, on the cupola interior located in the small room where the altar is situated, he depicted the Holy Spirit surrounded by angels between Saint John Evangelist and Solomon. The Museo del Prado keeps several related preparatory drawings. In this drawing, the head of the Virgin is studied. She is depicted tilted to the right, with her gaze lowered and with an elaborate hairstyle.
Arnáez, Rocío, Catálogo de Dibujos. II. Dibujos españoles siglo XVIII. A-B, Madrid, 1975, p.103-104
