Six Hands
1791. White chalk, Black chalk on green paper.Not on display
This is a preparatory drawing of hands in different positions for various figures of the fresco The Adoration of the Magi in the Chapel of the Royal Palace of Aranjuez. On the cupola interior, Francisco Bayeu depicted the Eternal Father on the throne surrounded by angels and seraphim. The side walls bear a depiction of the Adoration of the Shepherds; on the right, Saint Luke; on the frontispiece, the Adoration of the Magi and Saint Matthew; and in a painting over the door, there are two groups of angels. On the walls on either side of the small window, the artist depicted The Visitation and the Flight into Egypt. Finally, on the cupola interior located in the small room where the altar is situated, there is a fresco of the Holy Spirit surrounded by angels amongst Saint John the Evangelist and Solomon. The Museo del Prado holds various related preparatory drawings. This drawing is a study of the hands of multiple figures. On the left, two hands join their fingers together; in the centre, another two hands show their palms; and on the right, another two hands hold a staff.
Arnáez, Rocío, Catálogo de Dibujos. II. Dibujos españoles siglo XVIII. A-B, Madrid, 1975, p.105
