The Virgin and Child Appearing to Saints George and William
1587
chalk
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1587
chalk
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Virgin and Child Appearing to Saints George and William is a 1587 chalk by Lodovico Carracci, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows four figures in a loose, sketchy style. On the left, a soldier in armor holds a spear. Next to him, a robed man kneels, looking up. In the center, a woman sits holding a child, both appearing to glow. On the right, another soldier leans slightly, watching the scene. The woman and child seem to be floating above the others, as if they’re appearing out of nowhere. The drawing looks quick and rough, like a study rather than a finished work. If you like this style, look up cross-hatching next.