Saint Nicholas of Bari

About this work

This sketch shows a robed figure kneeling on a rocky surface, one arm raised as if blessing or gesturing. The lines are loose but confident, with quick strokes for the folds of the robe and rough shading on the face. The background is mostly blank, letting the figure stand out against a faint grid of red chalk lines. The artist used blue wash to soften the ink, giving the drawing a cool, almost ghostly tone. The red grid suggests this was a study for a larger work, helping the artist get proportions right. Next, check out Baroque to see how this sketch fits into that dramatic, expressive style.