From "Bizzarie di varie Figure"
1624
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1624
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
From "Bizzarie di varie Figure" is a 1624 ink by Giovanni Battista Bracelli, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows two stick-like figures made entirely of chains and rings. Their arms and legs dangle loosely, and their heads are just a few circles on top. The background is plain and light, like old paper, with a few faint marks at the bottom. The figures look like they’re barely holding themselves up. The chains twist around their bodies in a way that makes them seem both strong and fragile at the same time. If you like this odd style, look up etching next to see how artists use acid and metal plates to create these kinds of lines.
