'Ulysses shooting through the rings', Francesco Primaticcio, 1555-59

Red chalk and white heightening on pink prepared paper, 24.3 x 32.4cm

Accession Number WAG10843

This finished drawing is a preparatory study for one of the 59 frescos about the adventures of Ulysses which were painted at the Ulysses Gallery at Fontainebleau Palace in France.

The drawing fulfilled both a practical function, providing instructions to Primaticcio's assistants and an aesthetic role as an art object.

Primaticcio's skill as a draughtsman and the drawing's beauty attracted many artists and connoisseurs. This work was owned both by the painter Joshua Reynolds| and by the Liverpool collector William Roscoe|.

Purchased with the help of the Art Fund.

This work is currently not on display.