Head of an Angel

There are a total of 22 preliminary studies, every one of which can be considered an autonomous work of art, in which D�rer prepared the Feast of the Rose Garlands (N�rodn� Galerie, Prague). The head of the lute-playing angel by the Madonna’s feet is a masterpiece of drawing. The technique of the brush drawing with white highlights on blue paper was one D�rer became acquainted with in Venice. The interplay of white and dark parallel and cross-hatchings which gently follow the curves of the face create the plastic effect of the light and dark shades.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 4 minutes):

C�sar Franck: Panis angelicus