The Three Graces

As I mentioned yesterday, after the WCC Livery & Awards Dinner I decided to say over to avoid going home late and in the cold and dark. A good decision. To make the most of one of my now rare forays into central London, I decided to visit the King's Gallery where there is an exhibition titled "Drawing the Italian Renaissance". The Royal Collection has some 2000 of these drawings (as you do!) and there was a wonderful selection to see including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and Titian. Its on until 9th March and well worth a visit if you are in London. 

This drawing by Raphael is one of my favourites I think. In red chalk and done 1517-18. The info board beside it says "Raphael was one of the few Renaissance artists to draw from a nude female model - here a single model in three successive poses. The sheet is a study for the Graces, goddesses of beauty and fertility in the fresco of the Wedding Feast of Cupid and Psyche- in the Villa Farnesina, Rome. It was a good spot to spend an hour or so.