Allegory of Age
1601
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1601
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a bent-over figure with a halo, wearing a long robe. The face is wrinkled and tired-looking, with a crown resting on the head. The hands clutch a staff, and the background has quick, messy lines—maybe clouds or hair. The artist used ink and wash to build up shadows, layering lines to show depth. The paper has a grid pattern, hinting at careful planning. Try looking up cross-hatching to see how artists create shading with lines.
