John the Baptist

The artist has sketched the figure of John the Baptist with fine, energetic lines in chalk. Passages of light and shadow have been studied utilizing the dynamic contrast between the dark lines and the light paper. Sparingly, and only in the figure's face and right arm, has the artist made additional use of white chalk to further emphasize the play of light. The twisting pose suggests that Sogliani intended to use the figure in this study in a depiction of an enthroned Madonna with Child surrounded by saints (Sacra Conversazione). In this case, it would appear to the left of the Madonna; however, to date, no specific painting has been linked to this study.