Diana and Endymion
1724
chalk
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1724
chalk
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows two naked figures tangled together on the ground. One person is kneeling, reaching toward the other, who lies back with their head tilted. Their bodies twist in a loose, dramatic pose, and the background is just a few quick lines for trees. The artist used chalk and white highlights to make the figures pop against the plain brown paper. The lines are loose but confident, like a quick study for a bigger painting. Check out the technique: chiaroscuro to see how light and shadow create drama.
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