Studies for the Libyan Sibyl (verso)

Among the most fascinating preparatory drawings for the ceiling decoration of the Sistine Chapel are the studies for the Libyan Sibyl. They are the most detailed, extant studies for the sibyls and prophets of the vault paintings. Michelangelo used a youthful male nude as a living model in order to articulate exactly the details of the sibyl.

On the verso of the sheet the artist replaced red with black chalk and he probably used a female model.