As paper was still relatively expensive and rare in 16th century Italy, artists such as Federico Barocci often used both sides of the paper for their compositions. Art historians use the term recto to refer to the front of the sheet, and verso to refer to the back of the paper.
CAPTIONS
Recto
Nude studies for the Virgin Mary
black and white chalk with rubbing on blue paper, 15 7/8 x 9 3/4 in.
Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Kupferstichkabinett
Photo: Volker-H. Schneider
Verso
Studies for Saint John and a seated figure playing a lute
Recto
Nude studies for the Virgin Mary
black and white chalk with rubbing on blue paper, 15 7/8 x 9 3/4 in.
Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Kupferstichkabinett
Photo: Volker-H. Schneider
Verso
Studies for Saint John and a seated figure playing a lute
