Interest in the art of Guido Reni, one of the best known artists of the Italian Baroque, has been uneven in the years since his death in 1642. Recently, however, his work has enjoyed a new appreciation. Reni was born in Bologna and was apprenticed at a young age to Denis Calvaert, who he left in 1594 or 1595 for Carracci’s Accademia degli Incamminati. Reni received many important commissions throughout his career and he worked steadily in both Bologna and Rome. Study for the Head of Europa is thought to be a preparatory study for a work commissioned by Charles I of England. Nothing is known of the work reaching England and the piece is known today only in a copy and a fragment. The drawing demonstrates the elegance, lyricism and gracefulness that characterize the work of Guido Reni.