Artwork
Christ among the Doctors
Christ among the Doctors is an ink drawing by the Baroque artist Follower of Francesco Fontebasso. It dates from 1701 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:in later hand, upper center verso: 23.; lower right verso: XXI/4c / #16
About this work
Overview
Christ among the Doctors is a drawing executed in pen and brown ink, brush and brown ink, and brown wash, heightened with white, on prepared laid paper. It depicts a scene of intense discussion among a group of robed figures.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing shows Christ, identified by a halo, floating above a group of men, who appear surprised or perplexed by his presence. The scene is likely a representation of the biblical episode where Christ debates with the doctors in the temple.
Technique & Style
The artist employed a range of techniques, including shading and highlighting, to convey depth and volume in the figures and their surroundings. The use of brown ink and wash creates a sense of drama and movement, characteristic of the Baroque style.
Context
The drawing's style and composition are typical of Baroque art, which often featured complex, dynamic scenes and a sense of tension or drama.
Artist & collection
