Investigating the creative processes of the Italian Renaissance masters involves detective work that yields as many questions as it does answers. By examining evidence gathered from the works of the Florentine master Andrea del Sarto (1486–1530), Julian Brooks, curator of drawings at the Getty, charts the mysteries of their production, noting those which can be solved today and those which may remain forever unknown.
Sunday, July 19, 3:00 p.m.
Getty Center: Museum Lecture Hall
Andrea del Sarto: The Renaissance Workshop in Action
June 23–September 13, 2015Getty Center
This major loan exhibition celebrates the transformation of the art of drawing by Andrea del Sarto (1486–1530), one of the great Florentine Renaissance artists. Moving beyond the graceful harmony and elegance of his elders and peers, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Fra Bartolommeo, Andrea brought unprecedented realism and immediacy to his art through the rough and rustic use of red chalk and the creation of powerful life and compositional studies. Comprising rare drawings and panel paintings from key international collections, the exhibition fully illuminates Andrea del Sarto's inventiveness, creative process, and workshop practice.
This exhibition has been co-organized by the J. Paul Getty Museum and the Frick Collection, New York, in association with the Gabinetto Disegni e Stampe, Gallerie degli Uffizi, Florence. We acknowledge the generous support provided by an anonymous donation in memory of Melvin R. Seiden and by the Italian Cultural Institute.
Related Events
A variety of special programs complement the exhibition. All events are free, unless otherwise noted. Seating reservations are required. For reservations and information, please call (310) 440-7300 or see information on planning a visit.
Talks
Artists and the Workshop in 16th-Century Florence: A "Complicated" Relationship
In 16th-century Florence, the tradition of artists' workshops began to change. Some artists moved away from the artisan model of permanent workshops, while others continued to maintain them. Louis Waldman, professor of art history at the University of Texas, Austin, explores the reasons for these shifts, including the lesser-known role played by some artists' wives.
Sunday, August 16, 3:00 p.m.
Getty Center: Museum Lecture Hall
SYMPOSIUM
Andrea del Sarto: His Drawings, His Paintings, and His Relationship to Sculpture
An international group of scholars presents current research on the Florentine Renaissance master Andrea del Sarto.
Sunday, September 13, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Getty Center: Museum Lecture Hall
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COURSES
Drawing from the Masters
Enjoy the tradition of sketching from original artworks at the Getty Center. Guest artists provide general guidance. All experience levels are welcome. Participants are encouraged to bring sketchpads. Sign-up begins at 2:30 p.m. at the Information Desk. This is a free program.
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The Art of Drawing Animals
Discover techniques for capturing the form and gesture of animals with artist Peter Zokosky.
Sunday, July 5 and 19, 3:30–5:30 p.m.
Getty Center: Museum galleries
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The Art of Figure Drawing
Learn to draw the human figure with artist Kaitlynn Redell.
Sunday, August 2 and 16, 3:30–5:30 p.m.
Getty Center: Museum galleries
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Expressive Mark Making
Explore the expressive power of mark making with artist Marissa Magdalena.
Sunday, September 6 and 20, 3:30–5:30 p.m.
Getty Center: Museum galleries
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Drawing Workshop: Andrea del Sarto and the Florentine Portrait
Rivaling Leonardo da Vinci as one of history’s most accomplished draftsmen, Andrea del Sarto introduced a naturalism and immediacy unseen in Renaissance Florence. Discover the work of del Sarto while learning to draw the human head with artist Richard Houston in this daylong studio workshop. Working from both the live model and works of art in the galleries, participants systematically investigate proportions, form, value, and expression as well as del Sarto’s underlying methods and creative process. Course fee $125 (includes materials and lunch).
Sunday, July 19, 10:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Repeats Saturday, August 29.
Getty Center: Museum Studios
TOURS
Curator’s Gallery Tours
Julian Brooks, curator of drawings, the J. Paul Getty Museum, leads a tour of the exhibition. Meet under the stairs in the Entrance Hall.
Tuesday, July 21 and August 25, 2:30 p.m.
Getty Center: Museum galleries
PUBLICATIONS
Publications are available in the Getty Museum Store, by calling (310) 440-7333, or online.

Andrea del Sarto: The Renaissance Workshop in Action
Julian Brooks with Denise Allen and Xavier F. Salomon

Master Drawings Close-Up
Julian Brooks
VIDEO
Almost Invisible: The Cartoon Transfer Process
Infrared cameras now reveal concealed drawings under the surface of many of the Renaissance's most revered paintings. Learn how this radical drawing technique was done.
Gallery Text
Read and download the gallery text that accompanies this exhibition in PDF (13 PP, 2 MB).