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horse sketched by Edward VII
Royal Copyists

Explore royal copies of Great Masters in the Royal Collection

GIULIO CLOVIO (1498-1578)

The Head of Minerva

c. 1540

Grey chalk | 28.0 x 19.7 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 990453

The eldest daughter of George III, Princess Charlotte, made this etching of Minerva, the Roman goddess of war and wisdom, based on a sixteenth-century chalk drawing then thought to be by Michelangelo. Etching was much easier than engraving and proved particularly popular among amateur artists: the etching needle could be treated like a pencil, and very little extra pressure was needed to sketch into the waxy ground which covered the metal plate.

An etching showing the head of Minerva, after a drawing by Giulio Clovio (RCIN 990453). She is shown facing right in profile and is wearing a heavily decorated helmet and breastplate. Amendments and the date 1785 -  have been added in pen and ink to An etching showing the head of Minerva, after a drawing by Giulio Clovio (RCIN 990453). She is shown facing right in profile and is wearing a heavily decorated helmet and breastplate. With an ink and wash border. This is a copy of a drawing in George III'
Chalk drawing previously thought to be by Michelangelo
Etching by Princess Charlotte
  • Bibliographic reference(s)

    P. Joannides, Michelangelo and his influence. Drawings from Windsor Castle, London 1996
    5

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