Francesco Vanni; The Holy Family with Saint John (recto); 1584-1610; red chalk over black chalk on paper; 7 in. x 5 1/4 in. (17.78 cm. x 13.4 cm.); This double-sided drawing experiments with different compositions of one of the most beloved figurative groups in Italian art; the Madonna and Child. While the recto presents an intimate scene that brings together Jesus and Saint John in their infancy; with Mary thoughtfully providing motherly support; the verso focuses on Mary and her child alone. The appeal of the scenes is obvious; each compositional nuance translates into a slightly different emotional (and theological) balance between motherly love; a child's affection; and the anticipation of Christ's sacrifice. As Bowdoin Professor Susan Wegner demonstrated; Vanni's rapid sketch relates to a group of small paintings of the Madonna that Vanni created around 1600. The Sienese artist most likely filled a larger sheet with such drawings; from which the exhibited detail was cut off.