Cavalletto

Cavalletto is the Italian term for an easel, a portable frame used to support a canvas, panel, or drawing surface while painting or drawing. The word derives from cavallo, "horse," with the diminutive suffix -etto, a reference to the device’s resemblance to a small horse's stand.

Types and construction: There are several main forms of cavalletti. Studio easels are larger, freestanding frames, often in an A‑frame or H‑frame configuration, with adjustable height and tilt. Field or plein‑air cavalletti are lighter, collapsible stands designed for outdoor painting. Table or travel cavalletti are smaller and used on a desk or tabletop for drawing or watercolor studies.

Materials and features: Cavalletti are made from wood (such as beech or maple), metal, or aluminum. Modern versions may include adjustable legs, tilting mechanisms, clamps, and quick‑release systems to accommodate canvases of various sizes and to facilitate portable use.

Use and function: The surface is set at a comfortable height and angle to allow control of brushwork and drawing while reducing strain. In studios, cavalletti enable the artist to view and access the work easily, and they can also be used to display works for critique or drying.

History and context: Easels have existed in various forms since antiquity, with the modern wooden easel becoming common from the Renaissance onward. The Italian term cavalletto remains widely used in art practice and education.

See also: Easel.