Antique Subject

Antique Subject

Unknown

1774

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows three figures in a simple outdoor scene. On the left, a woman stands with her hand raised, holding what looks like a wreath. In the middle, a muscular man kneels, reaching toward her. To the right, a smaller figure in robes watches from a pedestal. The background has light clouds and a plain wall. The woman’s pose and the wreath suggest this might be about victory or honor. The sketch uses quick, loose lines with ink and wash, giving it a rough, sketchy feel. Next, check out Baroque to see how this style’s drama fits into bigger art trends.

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