Taddeo Returns to Rome Escorted by Drawing and Spirit toward the Three Graces

"Taddeo [Zuccaro], at length, restored to health and once more in Rome, resumed his usual studies," noted his contemporary, biographer and artist Giorgio Vasari. Here the young artist enters Rome through one of the city's gates. He stands on the threshold of the gate, holding the hands of figures representing Drawing and Spirit. The Three Graces stand nearby, waiting for them to enter.

As in other drawings from this series, Federico Zuccaro included a detailed and accurate view of Rome from the city gate. The steps of the Church of Santa Maria del Popolo are just visible between Taddeo's legs, and the Arch of Marcus Aurelius, the Colonna Antonini, and the Campidoglio fill the background.