Allegorical Figures Seen from Below

Allegorical Figures Seen from Below

Domenico Maria Canuti

1652

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a chaotic crowd of figures tangled in the air, drawn in quick, loose lines. Some look like they’re flying or struggling, while others sprawl on the ground. The colors are mostly brown and red, with faint white highlights. The paper looks old and worn, with smudges and spots. The artist used thin, sketchy strokes to suggest movement and energy—almost like a hurried draft. This style fits the Baroque period, where drama and motion were key. Next, check out Baroque to see how this fits into the bigger picture.

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