The Acolytes Preparing the Altar of the War God
1916
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1916
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
The Acolytes Preparing the Altar of the War God is a 1916 ink by Joseph Pennell, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows an empty theater stage with rows of seats facing a dark, ornate backdrop. The stage has a few scattered props—chairs, a table, and what looks like a draped cloth. The walls of the theater have tall windows and arched details, but the lighting is dim, making everything look shadowy. The artist used quick, sketchy lines to capture the space, almost like a hurried drawing. The focus seems to be on the stage’s empty state, with no people or action happening. If you like this style, look up lithography to see how it works.
