Cimon and Pero (Roman Charity)

About this work

This drawing shows two people—one young and bare-chested, the other older with a beard, hunched over. The younger person is holding the older man’s hand to their face, almost like they’re feeding them. The older man’s clothes are loose, and the younger one’s body is turned slightly away. Both look tired, with soft lines marking their skin. The older man’s staff leans against the wall behind them, and the younger person’s foot rests on a low step. The paper has some damage near the ear, but the lines are sharp and detailed, especially in the hands and fabric folds. Next, look up cross-hatching to see how artists build up dark tones with layers of lines.