The Disciples at the Tomb
1764
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1764
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This sketch shows a group of people in a dim, shadowy space. Two figures sit on a low ledge, one with their head resting on their hand, looking down. Behind them, a woman leans over a third person lying on the ground. Above, two more figures float in the air, their bodies twisted in dramatic poses. The lines are loose and expressive, with lots of hatching to show light and shadow. The artist used quick, sketchy lines to suggest movement and emotion. The figures look surprised or upset, but no one speaks. Look up Jean-Honoré Fragonard to see how he used sketching to explore big ideas.
