Studies of Legs and Drapery [recto]

Abraham Bloemaert

1615

chalk

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque Allegory

About this work

This sketch shows two sets of legs wrapped in flowing cloth. The fabric looks heavy and wrinkled, with deep shadows and light strokes marking every fold. One leg is bent, the other straight, and the lines are loose but confident, like quick notes for a bigger drawing. The artist used red chalk, adding white highlights to make the drapery stand out. It’s not a finished painting—just practice, but the energy in the lines is clear. Next, check out Baroque to see how artists like this used movement and drama in their work.