Spanish school; 17th century. "Virgin and Child". Red chalk and watercolour on paper. Presents humidity stains. Measurements: 14,5 x 21 cm. Drawing made with sanguine and watercolour that shows the figure of the Virgin with the Child. Its intimate and maternal gesture configures a devotional image in which the Child and his mother start from a relationship that transmits a greater naturalness to the faithful. The way in which the Virgin has been portrayed, slightly turned, differs from the usual depictions of the mother of Jesus. The characteristics of the work suggest that it is a preparatory drawing for a finished piece, or as visual notes. Studies are often used to understand the issues involved in depicting subjects and to plan the elements to be used in finished works, such as light, colour, form, perspective and composition. Studies can have more impact than more elaborately planned work, because of the new insights the artist gains as he or she explores the subject. Such details help reveal the thought processes and techniques of many artists. Studies even date back to the early Italian Renaissance, from where art historians have kept some of Michelangelo's studies.