Through discussion of 50 portrait drawings by artists of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, this volume of essays, reproductions and commentaries explores the creative encounter between artist and sitter. Discussing works by artists such as Bernini, Dürer and Holbein, the authors address a number of themes, notably the reasons why portrait drawings are produced, and the impact of developments in drawing on the practice of portraiture over a period of around 250 years. Originally accompanied a National Portrait Gallery exhibition.