Studies for an Annunciation [recto]
1588
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
![Studies for an Annunciation [recto]](https://pub-3a17a9933ad74fb28aa30fa758592f23.r2.dev/artworks/a15d0411b7678b1e/full.webp)
1588
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows four figures drawn in quick, loose lines. Two figures float mid-air, one pointing upward, the other reaching out with arms spread. The other two kneel on clouds, one with hands clasped, the other gesturing toward the standing figure. The lines are light and sketchy, like hurried notes rather than a finished drawing. The drawing looks like practice for a bigger scene—maybe a religious story. The artist used simple ink lines and shading to show movement and emotion without detail. Next, check out cross-hatching to see how artists build depth with just lines.
![The Ecstasy of Saint Francis [recto]](https://pub-3a17a9933ad74fb28aa30fa758592f23.r2.dev/artworks/5f53f9b59775e5dd/thumb.webp)
![Female Saint Carrying a Banner [recto]](https://pub-3a17a9933ad74fb28aa30fa758592f23.r2.dev/artworks/7b0a38585a5ad76d/thumb.webp)
![Nude Man Seen from Behind [verso]](https://pub-3a17a9933ad74fb28aa30fa758592f23.r2.dev/artworks/2de266ff199c839b/thumb.webp)
