The Blessed Egidius (Cartoon for a Fresco in chapel at S. Maria degli Angeli, Assisi)

Art Historical Context

In the early 16th century, artist Lo Spagna (Giovanni di), a prominent figure in the Umbrian school follower of Perugino, *The Blessed Egidius as a preparatory cartoon for a fresco in the at S. Maria deglieli in Assisi. This drawing depicts the Blessed Egidius (Giles of Assisi), devoted companion of St. Francis for his humility and mystical visions, captured in a serene profile that evokes quiet sanctity. Dating to 1514–16, it reflects the Renaissance emphasis on religious devotion amid Italy's vibrant Franciscan heritage—Assisi being the spiritual heartland of St. Francis's order. Crafted in charcoal or black chalk on a modest scale (15 5/16 x 9 5/8 in.), the sheet's outlines were pricked and pounced—a clever transfer technique where tiny holes along the contours were dusted with chalk powder to outline the design onto the fresco wall. This method highlights the meticulous planning behind monumental frescoes, bridging studio preparation and public chapel art. Today, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department, it offers a rare glimpse into Renaissance workshop practices, showcasing Lo Spagna's precise draftsmanship and the era's fusion of piety and artistry.