The Naming of the Virgin Mary
1690
chalk
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1690
chalk
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a busy religious scene with lots of figures. At the center, a robed man with a long beard and a bishop’s hat holds a baby while standing on steps. Around him, people kneel or stand, some holding candles or babies. Above them, angels float in the sky, holding scrolls and musical instruments. The artist used quick, sketchy lines to show movement and emotion, especially in the angels’ flowing robes and the bishop’s dramatic pose. The scene looks like it’s happening in a church or temple, with steps leading up to where the bishop stands. Look up Baroque to see how this style used drama and movement in art.
