The Deluge, from the Loggia of the Vatican
1502
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1502
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a chaotic scene of people struggling in rough water. Some are clinging to each other, others are drowning, and a few are barely holding on to debris. The lines are loose and quick, giving a sense of movement and panic. The figures are drawn in simple, expressive strokes, with no background details. The drawing looks like it was made to tell a story about survival and disaster. The rough, uneven lines suggest it was done fast, maybe as a study or a rough idea. Check out the Renaissance movement to see how artists used sketches like this to plan bigger works.
![Mythological Composition with Chronos and Harpies [recto]](https://pub-3a17a9933ad74fb28aa30fa758592f23.r2.dev/artworks/23e4197a1ba0ae7e/thumb.webp)
