[1] This drawing is a double-sided preparatory sketch for the painting of the Libyan Sibyl as part Sistine Chapel commission.

The recto (or front) side of this chalk drawing displays a young male figure twisting over his left-hand shoulder while holding up an imaginary object.

Even though the finished figure is in fact a woman, the sketch shows emphasis on the model's muscles and definition of his male physique.

Michelangelo was known for using male models for his depictions of women, with muscles and forms more masculine in nature as is evident in the recto side of this drawing.

Michelangelo's depictions of nudes were prevalent in his religious commissions with a focus on physical power of the male figure.