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Pentecost

Gian Jacopo Caraglio

1535

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Renaissance Renaissance Religious

Dominant colour

Pentecost is a 1535 ink by Gian Jacopo Caraglio, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Gian Jacopo Caraglio
When & what style?: 1535 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This engraving shows a group of people sitting in a circle, looking up at a bright light with a dove flying toward them. Their faces are turned upward, hands raised or clasped, as if surprised or awed. The light shines down in sharp lines, creating a starburst effect around the dove. The artist used fine lines and shading to make the figures look three-dimensional, even though it’s just black and white. The way the light and shadows play across the robes gives them texture. Want to see more? Check out engraving to learn how artists like this made detailed prints.