A modello (Italian, model) is a preliminary sketch for a painting, usually reduced in scale. Modelli (pl.) were made to help artists work out their compositions and to show patrons what the finished work would look like. See also: cartoon (1), maquette.

Peter Paul Rubens. Modello for the Ascension of the Virgin. Oil on panel. Ca. 1622–1625. Mauritshuis, The Hague.