Rococo Altar with a Reliquary Tomb
1764
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1764
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This drawing shows a fancy altar with a blank space where a painting or statue might go. The top curves into a swirling, leafy arch, and the sides are packed with scrolls, flowers, and tiny figures. A small statue stands on the right side, holding something up like an offering. The empty center suggests this was a design sketch, not a finished work. The intricate lines and shading make it look three-dimensional, even though it’s just ink on paper. Next, check out the Baroque movement to see more dramatic, decorative art like this.
