Eight Seated Bishops

The eight bishops, who are seated in two successive rows, can be linked to one of Raphael’s frescos in the papal chambers, the so-called ‘Stanze’. In the ‘Stanza dell’Incendio’, the ecclesiastical dignitaries fill the foreground of the large mural showing the coronation of Emperor Charlemagne. Realized between 1509 and 1517, the Vatican frescos are considered among Raffaello Santi’s most important works. In this study in red chalk, the artist focuses intensely on the episcopal robes. The clerics’ heads on the other hand are only roughly depicted, while the fresco features them as portraits. The Düsseldorf work can be traced back to Christina of Sweden’s legendary collection of drawings, compiled in the 17th century. (Sonja Brink)