Two Studies of a Flayed Man (recto) Study of a Flayed Torso (verso)

The work records the anatomy of a flayed corpse, exposing muscle layers and skeletal structure. By isolating the entire form on one side and the central torso on the other, the artist provides a focused examination of bodily construction, reflecting a practical interest in the physical realities of the human form rather than allegorical or narrative content.

Executed with rapid, gestural lines typical of 16th‑century anatomical sketches, the drawing employs a limited palette of graphite or charcoal on paper. The rendering emphasizes contour and muscular definition, using cross‑hatching to suggest depth. The informal, study‑like quality underscores its function as a visual aid rather than a finished composition.

The piece has remained in the Cleveland Museum of Art since its acquisition, though the exact path of ownership prior to its arrival is not documented in public records. Its preservation within a museum setting ensures continued access for scholars interested in Renaissance anatomical illustration.

During the mid‑1500s, artists frequently collaborated with physicians and anatomists, producing drawings that aided medical education. Bartolommeo’s studies belong to this tradition, aligning with the broader Renaissance pursuit of empirical observation and the systematic study of human anatomy for both artistic and scientific purposes.