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A Sheet of Studies for the Martyrdom of Saint Catherine of Alexandria

Jacopo Palma il Giovane

1501

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Renaissance Religious

Dominant colour

A Sheet of Studies for the Martyrdom of Saint Catherine of Alexandria is a 1501 ink by Jacopo Palma il Giovane, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Jacopo Palma il Giovane
When & what style?: 1501 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch sheet is packed with quick, loose drawings. On the left, you see a mix of figures tangled in what looks like ropes or vines, plus a few standing or kneeling people. In the center, a woman in a long dress stands next to a man on the ground, while on the right, a nude woman holds something like a wheel or shield. The drawings show different moments—some figures are struggling, others appear calm. The paper has a warm, brownish tone, and the artist used light yellowish strokes to add highlights. Next, check out the Baroque movement to see how drama and movement shaped art.