Timoleon Thanked by the Citizens of Syracuse

About this work

This sketch shows a group of people gathered around a seated man who’s holding his hand up like he’s speaking. Behind him, a few others stand or sit on raised platforms, while a crowd of figures—some standing, some kneeling—looks toward him. The lines are loose and quick, with lots of shading to show folds in clothes and the shapes of bodies. The artist used black chalk on pale green paper, which makes the dark lines stand out against the light background. The scene looks busy but not finished—it’s more like a rough plan than a polished drawing. Next, check out National Gallery of Art, Washington to see this sketch in person.