Bozze

/ˈbɑːtsoʊ/ noun

Definition

An Italian plural of 'bozzo'; preliminary sketches or rough studies for artwork, used in artistic planning and composition.

Etymology

From Italian 'bozzo' (plural 'bozze'), possibly from a Germanic root related to 'buzz' or meaning 'bump/lump.' Italian artists adopted this term for rough trial forms and sketches.

Kelly Says

Renaissance and Baroque artists used 'bozze' as their thinking-on-paper tools—quick sketches that let them test compositions before committing to finished paintings, reminding us that even masterpieces start messy.

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