Saint Leo in Glory (sketch for the ceiling of the church of San Lio, Venice)
1792
oil
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1792
oil
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This painting is a sketch for the ceiling of the church of San Lio, Venice. It depicts a scene with many figures, some of which are angels and cherubs, in a cloudy sky. The colors are muted, with shades of white, blue, and brown dominating the palette. In the center of the painting, a figure is being lifted upwards, surrounded by other figures reaching out to them. The scene is dynamic, with movement and energy emanating from the brushstrokes. The artist's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and volume in the painting, drawing the viewer's eye to the central figure. For more on this technique, look up chiaroscuro.
