Bacchus
1650
chalk
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1650
chalk
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
Bacchus is a 1650 chalk by Italian 17th Century, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows a reclining figure with loose, flowing hair and one arm bent behind their head. The body is drawn quickly, with rough lines and shading that leave some areas blank. The paper is a light blue, and the artist used dark chalk and gray wash to create shadows and texture. The sketch feels unfinished, almost like a quick study. The artist didn’t worry about perfect details—just the basic shapes and movement. If you like this style, check out Baroque.
