Saint Barbara in Glory with Saints Nicholas and Jerome
1501
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1501
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This drawing shows three figures in a cloudy, dramatic sky. One person sits on a rock, holding a tall cross and looking upward. Another kneels below, holding a staff, while a third figure stands to the right, also holding a cross. The background has swirling clouds and small angels floating around. The seated figure is often shown with a cross, which ties to stories of early Christian saints. The style looks like it’s from a time when artists used ink and wash to create deep shadows and textures. Next, check out the Renaissance movement to see how this style fits into that era.
