King John [right side]
1501
chalk
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1501
chalk
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This image presents a double-page spread from a book, featuring two illustrations of kings. The left page depicts a king holding a scepter in his right hand and a sword in his left, while the right page shows a king holding a sword in his right hand and a shield in his left. Both kings wear crowns and are dressed in ornate robes. The illustrations are rendered in pen and brown-black ink over black chalk on laid paper, showcasing the artist's skill in capturing intricate details. The use of cross-hatching techniques adds depth and texture to the images. The Renaissance style is evident in the elaborate attire and regal poses of the kings. To learn more about the artistic techniques used in this piece, explore the technique of cross-hatching.