Open full image Pin

Figure Studies [verso]

Giovanni Battista Cipriani

1756

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque 18th Century Nude

Dominant colour

Figure Studies [verso] is a 1756 ink by Giovanni Battista Cipriani, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Giovanni Battista Cipriani
When & what style?: 1756 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows quick, loose drawings of people in motion. One figure is mid-stride, arms swinging, while another leans forward with a hat on. The lines are rough and uneven, like they were drawn fast. At the bottom, two smaller heads pop up—one with a hat, one without. The artist didn’t focus on details. Instead, they captured movement with just a few strokes. The paper looks old, with a faint texture. These kinds of sketches were often used to practice drawing the human body. Next, check out Baroque art to see how artists used energy and movement in their work.