2-745-479 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

The Risen Christ Adored by Saints and Angels, 1566-1568. This rare, finished presentation drawing by Vasari, called a modello , was made by the artist to show his patron the final plans for a painted altarpiece. Vasari's composition was part of a 16th-century movement to renovate churches in Florence, making worship in them more accessible to the congregation. In the upper zone of the modello and final altarpiece, cherubs and two angels flank the resurrected Christ. Standing and kneeling from left to right below are: Saints Cosmas and Damian, Saint John the Baptist, and Saint Andrew. Further back appear the angel and soldiers at Christ's tomb.