1730
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Study for King Josiah Rending his Garments is a 1730 by James Thornhill, a Baroque work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
This sketch shows a dramatic scene with a group of people dressed in old-fashioned robes. One man in the center is tearing his clothes, while others react around him—some kneeling, some pointing upward. The background has a grand, empty-looking building with columns and a crowd of smaller figures on a balcony. The lines are loose and quick, like a rough draft. The notes on the paper reference Bible stories, suggesting this is a scene from history or religion. The artist was likely planning a bigger, more detailed painting. Next, look up Baroque to see how this sketch fits into that bold, emotional style.
Sir James Thornhill was an English painter of historical subjects working in the Italian baroque tradition.
See the richer artist pageYour cart is empty
Explore artworks →
