Open full image Pin

A Monk [verso]

Fra Bartolommeo

1500

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Renaissance Renaissance

Dominant colour

A Monk [verso] is a 1500 ink by Fra Bartolommeo, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Fra Bartolommeo
When & what style?: 1500 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This drawing shows a monk kneeling in prayer, his hands clasped tightly. His robe drapes in loose folds, and his head is bowed. The background is plain, letting the figure stand out clearly. The artist used quick, sketchy lines to show the monk’s posture and the fabric’s texture. The brown ink and wash give it a warm, faded look. Next, check out cross-hatching to see how artists build shading with layered lines.