Study of the Arm of a Figure Seated in Profile to the Right, ca. 1526–27
Red chalk
7 9/16 x 8 1/4 in. (19.2 x 20.9 cm)
Galleria degli Uffizi, Gabinetto Disegni e Stampe, Florence
Courtesy the Ministero dei beni e delle attività culturali e del turismo
An exemplary study from life, this sheet vividly captures the right arm of a model (probably a garzone) for a disciple in Andrea's Last Supper in the refectory in the church of San Salvi. He grips the bench he sits on and leans forward over the table at which Christ and his disciples dine. Andrea's sensitive rendering of the arm and hand using a combination of chalk effects contrasts with the sketchy (though no less evocative) midsection rendered in swift strokes, including the detail of the swelling at the groin.