Traditionally, sanguine red chalk was a standard drawing material of the       Italian Renaissance.  It's fiery earthy quality best captures the feeling of flesh.  The challenge is in keeping the lines delicate, and the form balanced within an
overall dynamic.   Sanguine's red color lacks a great range of contrast - too heavy a line weight wrongly placed easily destroys the overall effect and flattens
the form - thus imposing its own severe discipline on the artist.

When successfully done, the result is startling and the effect compelling.
The drawing takes on the illusion of living flesh.