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Seven Figures Witnessing an Ascension [verso]

Donato Creti

1710

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque 18th Century Allegory

Dominant colour

Seven Figures Witnessing an Ascension [verso] is a 1710 ink by Donato Creti, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Donato Creti
When & what style?: 1710 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows seven blurred, robed figures watching something off-canvas. Their postures are stiff, with arms raised or hands clasped. The lines are quick and light, like a hurried draft. One figure on the left leans against a column, while another in the center holds a small object. The drawing looks like a study—maybe for a bigger work. The loose lines and shading suggest the artist was testing poses and movement. Next, check out Baroque to see how dramatic motion and light shaped this era’s art.