Rearing Horses and a Standing Nude Figure
Red-chalk studies of horses in movement with a nude male on a joined fragment
Three fragments in red chalk are mounted in a row. The left fragment shows two small horses rearing and prancing, with the hindquarters of a larger horse above them. The central fragment carries a single powerful horse reared up on its hind legs, seen from the side, its neck arched and forelegs raised. The right fragment holds a standing nude male figure seen from behind and the side, with one arm extended forward. Two of the fragments bear the Biblioteca Ambrosiana collector's stamp.
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Horses in movement
The left and central fragments are given over to horses in vigorous motion: two small prancing horses and the hindquarters of a third at the left, and a single large horse rearing up on its hind legs at the centre, its neck arched and forelegs lifted. The red chalk models the muscular bodies and flying manes with quick, energetic strokes.
Standing nude male figure
The right fragment shows a nude man standing, seen largely from behind and the side, with one arm reaching forward. The back, buttocks and legs are modelled in red chalk to bring out the muscles. The figure balances on one leg with the other extended.