Saint Simon
1631
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1631
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This drawing shows a lone figure in flowing robes, holding an open book and a halo around his head. The background has a crowd of smaller people and buildings that look like a street scene. The lines are dark and scratchy, making the fabric look textured. The artist used a technique that lets them carve directly into the metal plate, creating those sharp, rough lines. This isn’t a painting—it’s a print made from a metal plate. Check out the technique: etching to see how this was made.