Diana and Endymion
1765
chalk
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1765
chalk
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a woman lying on the ground while a man kneels beside her. They’re surrounded by trees and bushes, with two dogs curled up nearby. The scene looks soft and dreamy, with lots of shading to create depth. The artist used ink and wash to build up the shapes, layering shadows carefully. This style was common for studies before bigger paintings. Check out the technique: cross-hatching to see how this effect works.
