Spanish school of the first half of the 20th century. "Bullicio". Charcoal on paper. Signed "Sotomayor" in the lower right corner. Measurements: 48 x 52 cm; 57 x 61 cm (frame). This drawing is intended as a preparation for a finished work or as visual notes. Studies are often used to understand the problems involved in depicting subjects and to plan the elements to be used in finished works, such as light, color, form, perspective and composition. Studies can have more impact than more elaborately planned works because of the new knowledge the artist gains as he or she explores the subject matter. These details help reveal the thought processes and techniques of many artists. Studies even date back to the early Italian Renaissance, from which art historians preserve some studies of Michelangelo.