Composition for an Allegory
by CALVAERT, Denys, Black chalk on blue paper, 400 x 298 mm
Several drawings after works by other artists are known among Calvaert’s drawing oeuvre, including the present black chalk drawing. The painting that served as the model for Calvaert’s work was executed by Lorenzo Sabatini. The drawing is not a simple copy of the painting since Calvaert made significant changes. He revised Sabatini’s ideal of beauty by drawing a younger, less corpulent and more nicely proportioned female nude.