Sacrifice to Love
1766
graphite
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1766
graphite
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a dramatic scene with three figures in a ruined, classical-style setting. One person is kneeling on the ground, another stands dramatically with arms outstretched, and a third figure floats above them, holding a torch. The background looks like broken columns and crumbling walls, with a dark, stormy sky above. The artist used quick, sketchy lines and shading to create movement and emotion. The scene feels tense and full of action, even though it’s just a drawing. Next, look up cross-hatching to see how artists build texture with layered lines.
