The Renaissance period saw a dramatic transformation in the way that artists worked, with a new-found appreciation for creativity pushing artistic boundaries. Drawing became central to this development, evolving from an essential tool of workshop practice to an exciting art form in its own right.

This exhibition brings together the widest range of drawings from this revolutionary artistic period ever to be shown in the UK. Exploring the diversity and accomplishment of drawing across Italy between 1450 and 1600, the exhibition will feature around 160 works by over 80 artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and Titian alongside lesser-known artists, all drawn from the Royal Collection, which holds one of the world’s greatest collections of Italian Renaissance drawings. 

Drawing still forms an essential part of many artists’ practice today. Three Artists in Residence, appointed in partnership with the Royal Drawing School, will be drawing in the gallery spaces on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays throughout the exhibition’s run and we also encourage you to draw when you visit the exhibition – paper and pencils will be available.