Musician and Dancing Figures

Donato Creti

1710

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque 18th Century

About this work

This sketch shows four naked figures in quick, loose lines. Two women dance in the center, their arms raised and legs bent. Two men stand behind them, one playing a long, thin instrument while the other holds a curved object. The drawing is mostly brown ink with faint washes, giving it a soft, smudged look. The figures’ poses look lively but not fully finished—just quick studies. This style was common for practicing movement and music in the artist’s workshop. Look up Baroque next to see how this sketch fits into that bold, energetic art style.