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A Praying Monk

Johann Friedrich Overbeck

1826

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Romanticism Early 19th Century Religious

Dominant colour

A Praying Monk is a 1826 by Johann Friedrich Overbeck, a Romanticism work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Johann Friedrich Overbeck
When & what style?: 1826 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This drawing shows a monk kneeling in prayer. He’s wearing a long robe that drapes over a simple wooden bench. His head is bowed, and one hand holds a cross. The lines are precise, showing the folds of his robe and the texture of the wood. The artist focused on the quiet moment of prayer, using careful shading to show light and shadow. This was made in 1826 by Johann Friedrich Overbeck. Next, check out Romanticism to see how this style connects to other art from the same time.