Born near Florence in 1475, Michelangelo Buonarroti was one of history’s most influential artists. His most refined drawings are “presentation drawings”—gifts for friends. Andrea Quaratesi (1512-1585) was one of several noble youths much admired by Michelangelo. According to biographer Giorgio Vasari, Michelangelo was reluctant to make portrait drawings “unless the subject was one of perfect beauty.” This is the only identifiable portrait drawing by Michelangelo. The subject of Michelangelo’s “ideal head” is traditionally believed to be Countess Matilda of Canossa (1046-1115), a strong leader-warrior who had allied with Pope Gregory VII to defend Tuscany against Emperor Henry IV. The British Museum holds more than eighty Michelangelo drawings, the largest collection outside Italy. Ten full-color blank notecards (5 each of 2 styles) with envelopes in a decorative folio. ISBN: 0-7649-3640-9. 0795$9.95 Andrea Quaratesi Notecard 5 x 7" blank note card with envelope. 8714$2.50 Ideal Head of a Woman Notecard 5 x 7" blank note card with envelope. 8715$2.50 All of our pictures enlarge; click on any picture for a closer look. Text & images protected by copyright. Sign Up for Our Monthly E-mail Newsletter Private list, unsubscribe any time. Home | Customer Service Center | Ordering Information