Probably for this drawing Polidoro uses a model from life, even if the main source of inspiration is undoubtedly the Raphaelesque lesson, not only for the academic language that imbues it, but also for the skilful use of the technique of red stone drawing, medium much loved by Raphael for his expressive ability of material, linear and pictorial values. At the center of the composition is the study for one hand, which captures the viewer's attention with the palm facing forward. Renaissance artists understood how expressive hands could be, and often focused their studies on their gestures, as shown for example by Raphael's drawing reproduced here as a comparison, now preserved at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.