Head of a Woman (Study for 'The Libyan Sibyl')
Drawing on paper • Michelangelo Buonarroti (original) or Manner of Michelangelo
Style & Movement
High Renaissance
Medium & Technique
Red chalk (sanguine) on paper; utilizes cross-hatching and stump-shading for chiaroscuro
Creation Period
circa 1511-1512
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 20 x 25 cm; Landscape format
Subject Description
A detailed anatomical study of a head in profile/upturned position, likely for the figure of the Libyan Sibyl on the Sistine Chapel ceiling. The composition emphasizes the muscular structure of the neck and the delicate rendering of Classical features and complex hair styling.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; visible surface reflections suggest it is currently under glass, with even paper tone and well-preserved pigment.
Estimated Market Value
$100 - $500 (as a high-quality reproduction/after)
Auction Estimate
$150 - $300
Provenance History
Likely a 19th or 20th-century facsimile or a high-quality artist's copy after the original held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (NY).
Art Historical Significance
The original drawing is one of the most celebrated examples of Michelangelo's drafting skill, showcasing his transition from structural sculpture-like sketches to the finished grace of the Sistine frescoes.
Notable Features
The 'sanguine' red chalk is characteristic of the High Renaissance. This specific image is a mirror of or direct copy of the famous Met Museum study.
Condition Issues
Minor age spots (foxing) possible; slight tonal shifting of the paper; surface glare from glass makes assessment of the paper's tooth difficult.
Conservation Recommendations
Mount using acid-free archival materials; keep away from direct UV light to prevent chalk fading; ensure a spacer is used between the artwork and the glass.