Temperance
1628-30
Imagine trying to paint a massive church ceiling without messing up the proportions—Domenichino had the same problem! This drawing is a 'squared' study, covered in a grid of lines that acted like an ancient coordinate system. The artist would draw a matching grid on the wall and copy the image square by square to scale it up perfectly. It depicts Temperance, a cardinal virtue, carefully pouring liquid between vessels to symbolize the mixing of water and wine (moderation in all things!). The swirling robes and the horse head in the background show off the dramatic flair of the Baroque era, capturing a moment of planning before the final masterpiece was born.
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