Sheet of Studies of Various Figures

A complex arrangement of biblical and mythological figures fills this well-preserved sheet. In the lower right corner, Aurelio Luini quickly sketched the figure of an apostle, which he later used in a fresco. Near the bottom of the page stand two larger figures of Mary Magdalene, each holding a jar of ointment with which to anoint the feet of Jesus Christ. Above, on the right, a woman--possibly the figure of Charity--holds a child in either arm. Scholars are unable to identify the other figures. The number in the top left of the sheet suggests that it once formed part of Luini's sketchbook.

Luini swiftly drew the outline of each figure first in brown ink, deftly indicating the volume of the forms simply by varying the length and curve of the strokes. He then used brown wash and rich areas of white heightening to create a subtle, luminous effect. White bodycolor gives the impression of a knee beneath a fold of fabric, adds texture to the drapery, and highlights the figures' hair and faces.