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The Angel of the Annunciation [recto]

Fra Bartolommeo

1502

chalk

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Renaissance Renaissance Religious

Dominant colour

The Angel of the Annunciation [recto] is a 1502 chalk by Fra Bartolommeo, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Fra Bartolommeo
When & what style?: 1502 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a single angel in mid-motion, wings spread wide with quick, swirling lines. The body is turned slightly, one arm bent as if reaching forward, while the other holds a long, flowing robe. The face is simple but expressive, with soft curves for the hair and a gentle tilt to the head. The artist used quick, confident strokes to suggest movement and fabric, almost like a dance. The paper shows signs of age, with faint spots and creases where the ink has settled. Next, check out the technique: cross-hatching to see how artists build shadow and depth with lines.