Two Women in Classical Dress
1644
chalk
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1644
chalk
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows two women in flowing robes, standing close together. One holds a scroll, while the other leans slightly forward, her cloak draped over her shoulder. The lines are rough and quick, with dark ink and light wash blending into the pale background. The artist used layers of ink and chalk to create depth, almost like sketching with shadows. These drawings were often done as studies before bigger paintings. Look up cross-hatching to see how artists build up dark tones with repeated lines.
