1715
paint
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
A Penitent at a Quaker Sermon is a 1715 paint by Alessandro Magnasco, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This painting shows a dimly lit room with a group of people gathered around a seated figure. The seated person has a halo and appears to be speaking or praying, while others look up at them. The colors are mostly earthy browns and grays, with some white highlights on faces and hands. The rough, sketchy brushstrokes make the scene feel urgent and emotional, almost like a quick snapshot of a powerful moment. The lighting is dramatic, with shadows creating strong contrasts. Look up chiaroscuro to see how this lighting trick works in other art.
Alessandro Magnasco (February 4, 1667 – March 12, 1749), also known as il Lissandrino, was an Italian late-Baroque painter active mostly in Milan and Genoa.
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