Seated Prophet
1628
chalk
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1628
chalk
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a bearded man sitting on a ledge, wearing a loose robe and a turban. His right hand is raised as if speaking, while his left rests on his knee. The lines are rough and warm, drawn in red chalk on paper with a reddish background. The artist used quick, sketchy strokes to suggest movement and emotion. The paper is split into two pieces, joined together—you can see the seam in the middle. Next, look up sfumato to see how artists like Leonardo blurred edges for softness.
