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Figures Deciphering an Inscription, with Two Women Seated [Study for Oeuvres de Bossuet, IV]

Giovanni Battista Piazzetta

1736

chalk

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque 18th Century

Dominant colour

Figures Deciphering an Inscription, with Two Women Seated [Study for Oeuvres de Bossuet, IV] is a 1736 chalk by Giovanni Battista Piazzetta, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Giovanni Battista Piazzetta
When & what style?: 1736 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows four people in quick, loose lines. On the left, a man in a hat leans forward, pointing at something. In the middle, two women sit with their backs turned, one holding a scroll. On the right, another woman kneels, reaching toward them. The paper is rough, and the drawing looks hurried, like notes jotted down fast. The artist focused on movement and posture over detail—just enough to show the scene’s energy. The lines are scratchy, almost like a sketchbook doodle, but with purpose. Next, check out Baroque to see how this style’s drama and movement shaped art.