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Sketch for a Baptism of Christ

Jacopo Palma il Giovane

1588

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Renaissance Renaissance Religious

Dominant colour

Sketch for a Baptism of Christ is a 1588 ink by Jacopo Palma il Giovane, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Jacopo Palma il Giovane
When & what style?: 1588 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows two figures in a rough, ink-washed style. One stands, holding a cloth over his shoulder, while the other kneels beside him, reaching upward. The lines are loose and quick, with dark shading that makes the forms feel alive but unfinished. The artist used ink and wash to create depth, layering shadows and light in a way that feels sketchy but intentional. This was likely a quick study for a bigger work—just shapes and gestures, not details. Next, check out cross-hatching to see how artists build form with lines.