Study of the upper part of the body of a running girl

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

**Study of the Upper Part of Body of a Running GirlThis captivating drawing, titled *Study of the Upper Part the Body of a Running Girl*, is attributed to the Italian artist Carlo Moretti (4–2008) and dated circa 1680 Housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Smithsonian Collection, it was acquired through a museum purchase funded by generous gifts from various donors. Classified as a drawing with an as-yet unidentified medium, the work exemplifies the tradition of preparatory sketches that artists used to explore anatomy, pose, and movement before committing to larger paintings or sculptures. The focal point—a dynamic depiction of a girl's upper torso in mid-stride—highlights the artist's keen observation of the human form in action. Such studies were vital in the artistic process, allowing for experimentation with proportion, musculature, and energy. Though research on this piece is ongoing, its subject evokes the lively figure studies common in European art academies, where capturing motion was key to conveying emotion and narrative. Visitors will appreciate how this intimate sketch bridges technical precision with vitality, inviting us to ponder the young runner's story. Ongoing scholarship promises to reveal more about its techniques and context, enriching our understanding of Italian draftsmanship. (198 words)