Design for a Frieze

“Come questo? O come quello? — Like this? Or like that?” This is a drawing about choices. The sheet bears a quick study for a frieze, or, more precisely, two studies. For the artist, Perino del Vaga, has sketched two options for the carved or painted ornament intended to surround a blank space that will most likely bear an inscription. One version, on the left, is a bit simpler, with swags of beading and drapery around the sharp-cornered reserve. For that version of the design, Perino quickly drew a figural panel that suggests he has been thinking about Michelangelo’s Medici tombs in Florence, with their reclining figures, and unusual eyebrow-like pediments. But perhaps that option is too restrained? On the right side everything is bigger, more muscular, more vigorous, with curved edges, and writhing, twisting figures — more Michelangelo’s prisoners than his tomb figures. And all is seemingly carved in a deeper relief, as suggested by the brown wash between the figures that hints at volume and shadow.

Drawings like this, which present two or more options for a work, were an essential part of the design process during the Renaissance, and long afterwards. They were a way for artists to work out various options, but they also served as a way to present choices to patrons. In this case, we do not know which option the artist or patron chose, as the drawing is not linked to any finished work. But in its fresh quickness, the small sheet provides vivid entry into the imagination and inventiveness of its author.