Death of Saint Jerome
1701
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1701
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a chaotic scene with a dying man on the ground, clutching a rock and a book. Above him, an angel with wings hovers, looking down with a calm face. Other figures—some kneeling, some reaching out—fill the space, all tangled in dramatic motion. The background is filled with swirling clouds and rough lines, making the scene feel intense. The artist used lots of quick, overlapping lines to create texture and movement, especially in the clothing and clouds. This style makes the scene feel urgent and emotional. If you like this dramatic style, look up Baroque.